The Economic Times

Why are US stock market futures down today, and will S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones stay in red or turn green? US stock market futures moved lower as geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf affected oil supply, shipping routes, and investor confidence. Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal and tensions rose after drone incidents and threats around the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts now watch oil prices, diplomacy progress, and economic signals to understand whether markets may recover or remain und

Why are oil prices up today, and will Brent and US WTI crude futures rise sharply or fall again? Oil prices jumped after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace proposal and the Strait of Hormuz stayed restricted. Brent crude and US WTI futures climbed over 3%. Drone attacks, nuclear tensions, shipping risks, and supply fears are shaping the oil market outlook. Analysts now track diplomatic talks, military risks, and supply flows to predict future price direction.

Quote of the day by Johnny Depp shares a message about belief and success. The quote explains how doubt can change with time. The story explores Johnny Depps career, films, music journey, personal life, and legal battles while explaining the meaning and relevance of the quote in daily life and modern culture.

Quote of the day by Groucho Marx shows how humor explains work culture, office politics, and career success. The quote highlights timing, leadership, and workplace behavior. It also connects to the life and career of Groucho Marx, an American comedian and actor. His journey from vaudeville to television shows how wit and observation shaped success. The message remains relevant for modern workplaces and professional growth.

OBON Corp, a prominent player in Thailand's tech landscape, is embroiled in controversy over accusations of smuggling Super Micro servers packed with advanced Nvidia technology to China, with Alibaba Group rumored to be a interested buyer. U.S. prosecutors are diving deep into the matter, which has sent shockwaves across the tech industry, directly impacting Super Micro's stock performance.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure after his Labour Party's poor local election results. Dozens of lawmakers are calling for his resignation. Starmer plans a speech to outline changes and revive his government's standing. His position is fragile as rivals consider their next moves. The party needs to adapt to changing political landscapes.

India and Trinidad and Tobago have strengthened ties with eight new agreements. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit saw pacts signed in tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda. India also provided 2,000 laptops to schoolchildren and inaugurated an agro-processing facility. These developments mark significant progress in bilateral cooperation.

The High Court of Bangladesh has denied bail for Brahmachari Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk facing serious charges in the murder trial of a lawyer from 2024. Accused of sedition, Das's arrest has provoked fervent protests from his followers, culminating in clashes in Chattogram linked to the lawyer's violent demise.

Bangladesh and Pakistan are boosting security ties. A new agreement will strengthen efforts against drug trafficking and money laundering. Both nations will share intelligence and conduct joint operations. This collaboration includes training officials and sharing research. It marks a significant step in their security partnership. The pact aims to disrupt drug networks and improve border control.

India and Iran will discuss safe passage for Indian ships carrying energy through the Strait of Hormuz. Talks will occur during the BRICS Sherpa and foreign ministers' meetings in New Delhi. India faces challenges navigating the strait, impacting energy security. Diplomatic engagement has already facilitated the exit of eleven Indian ships. Thirteen ships remain in the Persian Gulf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE will focus on strengthening the Strategic Defence Partnership. This collaboration includes defense industry, innovation, and cybersecurity. The visit also aims to show solidarity with UAE leadership amidst ongoing regional conflicts. Discussions will cover the current war situation and recent attacks on the UAE.

West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, aims to reverse the state's decline and position it among the top states in five years. Key priorities include job creation through education reform and attracting private investment, alongside retaining talent and addressing the debt burden.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood shares a line about marriage, thunder, and lightning. The quote explores relationships, love, and human nature. It also connects with the life journey of Clint Eastwood, an American film actor and director. His career, films, awards, and personal history show how life experience shapes views on relationships and marriage. The quote remains relevant today.

The selection of Kerala's next chief minister remains uncertain. The AICC leadership is taking time to consult various factions. Party workers' campaigns suggest a hasty decision could cause protests. KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan are the main contenders. Venugopal has MLA backing, while Satheesan has cadre and ally support. The Congress-led UDF secured a majority in the assembly.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the nation's readiness for floods and heat waves. He emphasized developing early warning systems for 30 high-risk lakes in northern and northeastern states. Flood crisis management teams will be activated across all states. The National Disaster Management Authority will assess adherence to directives on forest fires, heat waves, and floods.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has invited Himanta Biswa Sarma to form the new government. Sarma will take oath as Chief Minister for a second term on May 12. The NDA has staked its claim with the support of 102 MLAs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati.

Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe water shortage. A rainfall deficit of 26% has been recorded since March 1. Many districts are experiencing significantly less rainfall than usual. Only a few areas have received normal precipitation. This situation poses a serious challenge for the region's water resources.

C Joseph Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. His government is the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK administration in six decades. Vijay promised a regime of real secularism and social justice. He highlighted the state's debt and pledged transparency. Key initiatives include free power and enhanced women's safety.

The psychology behind rewatching the same shows suggests that the habit is often driven by emotional comfort, nostalgia and mental familiarity rather than laziness or a lack of imagination.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta launched two books, 'The Bench, The Bar and the Bizarre' and 'The Lawful and the Awful'. These books share humorous and unusual real courtroom stories from foreign jurisdictions. Mehta explained -- with humour -- his choice to exclude Indian legal incidents.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians in Raipur. The veteran seamer leads the IPL 2026 wicket charts. Despite his efforts, Mumbai Indians posted 166 for 7. Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma played crucial roles in their team's total. Royal Challengers Bengaluru need 167 runs to win the match.

BJP State President BY Vijayendra has condemned the discovery of gelatin sticks along Prime Minister Modi's travel route in Bengaluru as a grave failure of the Congress government's law and order. He demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against negligent officials, emphasizing the need for maximum security for the Prime Minister.

Iran strongly opposes the deployment of a French aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a stern warning against naval cooperation with the US strategy. This comes as Iran submits its reply to an American proposal for regional de-escalation. The region faces heightened friction between peace efforts and the threat of expanded naval warfare.

Proverb of the Day: What makes this Chinese proverb especially powerful is that it removes the pressure to achieve everything all at once. Rather than focusing only on massive outcomes, it encourages people to value the process itself. That shift matters because many people feel overwhelmed by how distant their goals appear. The mountain seems impossible to climb, until they concentrate on moving one small stone at a time.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence offers a powerful perspective on navigating modern life's pressures. Her advice to let things roll off your back encourages emotional resilience against the hurry up and wait cycle, promoting mental peace amidst constant striving and uncertainty. This resonates deeply in today's stressful environment.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupinder Yadav over escalating his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, and alleging that environmental clearances were based on grossly inadequate studies and that key reports were being kept away from public scrutiny.

He argued that upon its formation, the TMC did not break from its Congress roots but rather imbibed all its negative traits and claimed that the TMC integrated the egative habits of the Left, likely referring to political violence and grassroots intimidation, following the end of the 34-year Marxist rule in Bengal.

India has released 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties from 2014 to 2025. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research led this effort. Complementary farming practices were also developed. The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture program supports farmers. Vulnerability assessments identified 310 highly vulnerable districts. Climate Resilient Villages are being established for wider technology replication.

Thought of the day: Bruce Lee remains one of the most influential pop culture icons of the 20th century. Beyond transforming martial arts cinema, he introduced millions to philosophies centered on discipline, mindfulness and adaptability.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced a setback as Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck against Mumbai Indians. Chasing 167, RCB's chase began under pressure. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling restricted Mumbai Indians to 166/7. Tilak Varma scored 57 for Mumbai. RCB captain won the toss and chose to field first.

At 29, S Keerthana has become the youngest MLA in Vijay-led TVK after winning Sivakasi. A former political strategist, she speaks five languages and represents a new generation in Tamil Nadu politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a return to work-from-home and urged citizens to delay foreign travel for a year. This is to address global energy supply concerns and potential economic fallout. The Prime Minister emphasized public participation in reducing fuel consumption and conserving foreign exchange. He highlighted the need for collective action to navigate the evolving global situation.

In a tragic escalation of violence, a suicide bombing at a police station in Bannu, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of 14 officers. The attack, claimed by a rogue faction of the Pakistan Taliban, was followed by a fierce gun battle. This shocking incident marks a troubling rise in militant activity in the area.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be aken out before the US-Israeli war against Iran can be considered over, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview Sunday. In addition to the unresolved uranium stockpile issue, Netanyahu said there were several other war aims that had yet to be accomplished.

The phrase sounds grammatically off, makes little sense without context and yet continues to flood comment sections across the internet. But according to internet culture observers and TikTok users who describe themselves as chronically online, that confusion is actually what makes the joke work.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine faces serious strain. Both nations blame each other for weekend attacks. Ukrainian officials report drone strikes and battlefield clashes. Russia's Defence Ministry claims to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones. Diplomatic efforts for peace remain stalled over key issues. US envoys are expected to visit Moscow soon for further talks.

Quote of the day by Julia Roberts shares a message about courage, happiness, success and human nature. The statement explains that life is not about pleasing everyone but about being yourself. The story looks at the actors career, achievements, films, awards and charity work. It also explains the quote meaning and relevance and gives life lessons from the quote that readers can apply in daily life.

President Donald Trump stated in an interview that Iran is militarily defeated and that the US could strike every single target within two weeks. He also criticized NATO as a paper tiger for not assisting in the campaign against Tehran, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28.

China's Vice Premier He Lifeng will hold trade talks with US officials in South Korea next week, Chinese state media said Sunday, ahead of an expected summit between leaders Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. The two sides will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to engage in consultations over mutual trade issues, state-run broadcaster CCTV said. tjx/ami

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya addressed accusations of his party being a 'washing machine' for defectors. He compared the BJP to the holy Ganga river with strict entry protocols. Bhattacharya stated that many Trinamool Congress leaders wish to join the BJP, but the party is not accepting new members currently.

In the midst of the Iran War, Israeli forces established a covert base in the vast Najaf desert of Iraq. Occupying an abandoned airstrip, this outpost played a crucial role in bolstering Israels aerial operations. However, the hidden location did not shield them completely as they encountered fierce resistance from Iraqi troops, leading to significant conflicts and casualties.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that dialogue does not mean surrender, as Tehran submitted its response to a US peace proposal via Pakistan. Despite the diplomatic move, Iran warned that its estraint is over, citing recent maritime strikes and issuing threats to retaliate against American interests in the region.

Henry Kissingers quote of the day reflects that peace is not only something negotiated between nations. Sometimes, it also begins within individuals learning to accept themselves fully, without apology and without regret.

Quote of the day by Khalil Gibran explains the value of motherhood, family bonds, and relationships. The quote shows how a mother brings life and purpose to a home. It explains emotional labour, daily care, and the role of maternal presence. The article explains meaning, context, and life lessons from the quote. It also explains why this message remains relevant in modern family life and society.