The Economic Times

China and Pakistan called on Tuesday for an immediate end to the war in the Middle East, and for peace talks as soon as possible, as they agreed to boost their cooperation on Iran. China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks, it added.

Receipts from the services sector, which accounted for two-third of the total, climbed about 9% to $310 billion, data showed. These are known as invisible receipts as these reflect earnings a country generates from IT services, tourism and remittances & transfers rather than international trade in physical goods.

Rakesh Bedi is experiencing a career resurgence following his impactful role in Dhurandhar 2. His journey, from an unconventional choice to pursue acting over engineering to becoming a beloved screen presence, is captivating audiences. Bedi's recent public appearance sparked a brief controversy, which he clarified as a paternal gesture towards his co-star.

Switching jobs can change what happens to your 401(k) savings. Small balances may be cashed out, while others may move to an IRA automatically. Traditional and Roth accounts follow different rules, especially when rolling money over. Some funds must be invested to grow. Current limits make Roth rollovers harder, but new proposals aim to give workers more flexibility.

Taylor Swift has released the official music video for her song Elizabeth Taylor from The Life of a Showgirl era, premiering on March 31 exclusively on Apple Music and Spotify Premium. Instead of appearing herself, Swift pays tribute to the legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor through a montage of archival film clips and public footage.

Oracle has initiated widespread job cuts across its global offices. Employees in the US, India, and other regions received termination emails without prior notice. These layoffs are reportedly to fund Oracle's significant investment in AI data centers. Affected teams include RHS, SVOS, and NetSuite's India Development Centre. Severance packages are offered upon signing termination documents.

Unilever is merging its food business with spice maker McCormick in a massive $65 billion deal. This move aims to reshape the company's focus. Unilever's food division faces challenges from changing consumer habits and market saturation in developed regions. The deal excludes operations in India, Nepal, and Portugal. This significant transaction is set to create a new entity.

The Jal Shakti ministry has released over Rs 1,500 crore for five states under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. This funding for the financial year 2025-26 follows states signing reform agreements. Uttar Pradesh receives the largest share. The mission aims for universal tap water access in rural areas by 2028. This initiative focuses on service delivery and sustainability.

High earners are using a simple 401(k) strategy to cut retirement taxes. By converting money to a Roth IRA during low-income years, they reduce future withdrawals and avoid higher tax brackets. This planning also helps limit Medicare premium increases. Careful timing and income tracking allow retirees to save thousands in lifetime taxes while keeping retirement income more flexible and predictable.

A Russian oil tanker's journey to Cuba evokes Cold War tensions, drawing parallels to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This shipment arrives amid a US energy blockade, highlighting ongoing geopolitical friction between Moscow and Washington. While not a military confrontation, the symbolic nature of Russian cargo heading to the Caribbean island revives historical comparisons.

A new development in the Charlie Kirk shooting case is casting doubt on key forensic evidence. Ballistics analysis could not definitively link the fatal bullet to the rifle found at the scene. This inconclusive finding may impact the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson. DNA evidence on the weapon and a text message are also part of the ongoing investigation.

A major art theft in northern Italy has shaken the global art world after three paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Czanne and Henri Matisse were stolen in a swift, well-planned heist. The robbery took place at the Fondazione Magnani Rocca near Parma, with thieves completing the operation in under three minutes. The artworks are valued at around $10 million.

Netflixs much-anticipated Solo Leveling live-action series is set to begin filming in May 2026, with a star-studded cast and high expectations following the franchises massive global success.

Mortgage rate predictions for the next 5 years show rates near 6% today. That is based on recent market data. The 10-year Treasury yield sits around 4.09%. This drives home loan interest rates directly. Experts expect mortgage rates to stay between 5% and 7% through 2030. This is a key housing market forecast. Inflation and Federal Reserve policy will decide the trend. Most forecasts do not expect a sharp drop soon. Mortgage rates forecast 2026 to 2030 suggests stability, not crash. Homebuyers s

In a striking move, France has blocked US aircraft from utilizing its airspace for transport of military supplies designated for Israel. Former President Donald Trump has voiced his discontent over Frances stance.

Mumbai hosted Siemens sixth Transform - Innovation Day, where Siemens Member of the Managing Board and CTO Peter Koerte declared that AI is going to transform the many sectors that you have, and India is going to gain and contribute the most. Siemens Limited MD and CEO Sunil Mathur hailed India as a stable oasis even as VUCA tensions escalate. Discover the blueprint in sync with Viksit Bharat, with textbook AI now becoming a business reality.

Security agencies are utilizing open-source intelligence from public sources like social media for information gathering, assuring no privacy breaches as personal data is not collected. The Home Ministry informed a parliamentary panel that AI is also being employed for enhanced intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts, including face recognition and sentiment analysis.

Toyota's outgoing CEO warns of an existential threat from rapid technological disruption and intensifying competition, particularly from China's advanced EV and tech ecosystem. The company is re-evaluating its production and quality standards to boost efficiency and speed, acknowledging that traditional advantages are no longer sufficient for survival in the evolving auto industry.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the coming days will be decisive in the Middle East conflict with Iran. He highlighted significant desertions within the Iranian armed forces. US strikes have reportedly damaged Iranian morale, leading to personnel shortages and frustration among their senior leaders.

Census 2027 promises faster data release with digital capture. This will be India's first fully digital population count. Citizens are urged to participate accurately. House-listing operations begin April 1, followed by population enumeration in February 2027. Caste data will be collected for the first time since 1931. Individual data remains confidential.

Is the US stock market open on Good Friday 2026? Will you be able to trade on NYSE and Nasdaq this April 3? In 2026, the stock market holiday schedule confirms one key fact. The U.S. stock market is closed on Good Friday, April 3. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq halt all trading that day. This creates a shorter trading week for investors. However, markets reopen fully on Easter Monday, April 6. Many global markets stay shut, but U.S. exchanges run normally.

The countdown for NASA's Artemis II mission has officially begun at Kennedy Space Center, targeting a Wednesday, April 1 launch. This historic test flight will send the first crewed SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft into space. Engineers are powering up systems and preparing for cryogenic fueling, while the four-person crew remains in quarantine, focused on readiness.

Some student loan borrowers are getting emails about possible loan forgiveness after a court decision. The update affects people who filed borrower defense claims and waited years for answers. The notice explains who may qualify and when relief could come. Others will still receive decisions soon. The move brings hope to borrowers dealing with debt from colleges accused of misleading students.

In a significant electoral development in Murshidabad, approximately 346 descendants of the Nawab of Bengals dynasty, including the 82-year-old Syed Reza Ali Meerza (Chhote Nawab), have been removed from the voters' list. The deletions occurred following a special intensive revision that placed their names under adjudication at Booth No. 121 in Lalbagh.

Rajasthan High Court has slammed the state's transgender reservation policy as a mere facade. The court has ordered a 3% weightage in marks for transgender candidates applying for jobs and educational institutions. It also criticized a new parliamentary bill for potentially eroding the right to self-determination for transgender individuals.

India is poised for above-normal rainfall across most regions in April, according to the India Meteorological Department. However, the Northeast is anticipated to experience below-normal rainfall during the month. This forecast indicates widespread wet conditions for the country, with a notable exception in the northeastern states.

Punjab and Sind Bank is recruiting 1,000 Local Bank Officers for 2026. Applications are open online until April 20, 2026. The selection involves a written test and interview. Candidates need a graduation degree and banking experience. Uttar Pradesh has the most vacancies. Selected officers will receive a competitive salary and benefits.

The BA.3.2 COVID-19 subvariant, known as Cicada, is spreading across the United States, with cases reported in 25 states and over 20 countries. Originating from the Omicron lineage, the variant carries multiple mutations that may affect immune response, though experts say there is no evidence it causes more severe illness.

The much-awaited The Boys Season 5 Release Date has been announced, with the final season set to premiere in April. The upcoming instalment promises a high-stakes conclusion to the hit superhero satire.

Gas prices in the US have jumped above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. According to AAA, the national average is now $4.02, up more than $1 since early March. This sharp spike marks the fastest monthly jump in over five years. The ongoing Iran conflict is pushing crude oil above $100, tightening supply fast. Drivers in California now pay nearly $6, while Kansas remains among the cheapest. Fuel costs are rising everywhere. Household budgets are under pressure. Experts warn inflation co

Relieve stubborn calf pain and improve mobility with these six targeted home exercises. From eccentric heel drops to myofascial release techniques, this story provides a comprehensive guide to stretching and strengthening the lower legs, helping you eliminate tension and build a resilient foundation for an active lifestyle in 2026.

Satellite images are emerging, offering a view of the Iran war's damage. Ships are seen burning in an Iranian port. Military bases in the region show destroyed buildings. Information on the war's toll has been limited. High-resolution images from various firms are providing crucial details. The conflict involves strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory fire.

Amazon's Project Kuiper has secured a deal to provide in-flight Wi-Fi for 500 Delta Air Lines planes starting in 2028. This partnership intensifies the competition with Elon Musk's Starlink in the aviation market. Amazon is accelerating its satellite deployment to challenge Starlink's current lead.

Elevate your morning routine with six easy, high-protein breakfasts designed for the fast-paced 2026 lifestyle. From overnight oats to savory paneer scrambles, these recipes prioritize rapid preparation and maximum satiety, ensuring you stay fueled, focused, and energized from your first meeting until your final afternoon task.

China confirmed three oil-carrying ships transited the Strait of Hormuz, thanking elevant parties for their assistance. This marks the first time Beijing has publicly acknowledged its vessels crossing the vital waterway amid reports of an arrangement with Iran. The Middle East conflict and efforts to restore regional peace will be discussed during Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister's visit to China.

Dehradun authorities are cracking down on crime after a retired army officer's killing. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has suspended officials and ordered a statewide crackdown on illegal activities. Police are increasing patrols and monitoring bars and restaurants to curb late-night disturbances. Strict action will be taken against those who break the law and officers who neglect their duties.

A 55-year-old man's persistent mid-back pain, initially dismissed by doctors, was finally diagnosed as spinal tuberculosis. Crucial clues like pain worsening with coughing and deep breaths, coupled with a neurologist's targeted questioning, led to the correct MRI. This case highlights the importance of precise symptom analysis and asking the right questions for accurate diagnosis, even when initial tests are normal.

Pulverulent is more than just an adjective; it is a linguistic tool that captures texture, atmosphere and the passage of time in a single expression.