The Economic Times

U.S Stock Market prediction: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 investors will look for a few factors that will determine the Wall Street trading.

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called the killing of his personal assistant a cold-blooded and pre-planned murder. He urged party workers to maintain peace while assuring that the culprits will be brought to justice. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar echoed these sentiments, stating that the police investigation is progressing and those responsible will not be spared.

Hantavirus cruise ship's itinerary included stops across the South Atlantic, including mainland Antarctica and the remote islands of South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena and Ascension.

Iran's maritime authority is ready to provide essential services to ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to 'Project Freedom'. The initiative aims to ensure the safety and welfare of vessels and their crews. Iran emphasizes its commitment to secure maritime traffic in this vital waterway.

How does hantavirus spread: Hantavirus usually spreads by inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and can spread person-to-person, though that is rare, according to the WHO, whose top epidemic expert said the risk to the public is low.

West Bengal Police seized a vehicle linked to the killing of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant near Madhyamgram. Live rounds and fired cartridges were found at the scene. The vehicle's number plate was reportedly fake. BJP leaders called the incident a targeted attack by the TMC to spread fear. The TMC condemned the incident and requested a CBI probe.

Epstein files: The letter had been sealed for years as part of the cellmate's criminal proceedings, but was released by Judge Kenneth Karas of the US District Court for Southern New York.

Iran is reviewing a U.S. peace proposal aimed at formally ending the ongoing war, though key demands regarding its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. President Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal, while Iranian officials offered skeptical reactions to the U.S. proposal.

Hantavirus usually spreads by inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and can spread person-to-person, though that is rare, according to the WHO.

Ahead of a critical Tata Trusts meeting scheduled for Friday, a petition has claimed that Sir Ratan Tata Trust violates a new Maharashtra law on trustee numbers. If successful, the meeting and its decisions, including those impacting Tata Sons governance, could be put on hold.

Japan's markets are also responding to a stronger yen since the last trading day on Friday, following bouts of suspected intervention by Tokyo to bolster the currency.

Winter Storm alert: Weather service said parts of the region could continue to see light snow and rain on Thursday but that temperatures will trend warmer

Carlos Rodon has been sidelined all season while recovering from surgery Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur.

Atlantic story accused Patel of frequently drinking to excess and said he was in danger of losing his job as FBI director.

Quote of the Day: David Attenborough's enduring message emphasizes our intrinsic connection to the natural world, urging us to cherish it because we are part of it and depend on it for survival. His lifetime of work highlights the beauty and fragility of Earth, advocating for environmental protection as a personal responsibility.

This Jewish proverb by Ben Zoma explains the true meaning of wisdom, strength, wealth, and honor. It says real success is not about money or power but about mindset and actions. Learning from others, controlling emotions, staying satisfied, and respecting people are the keys to a better life, according to Aish and Chabad teachings.

Google Chrome AI model: A report by security researcher Alexander Hanff has raised concerns that Google Chrome may be downloading a 4GB AI model onto some users devices without clear permission. The file, linked to on-device AI features, is reportedly installed after Chrome checks system compatibility. Many users may not notice the download until they see reduced storage or increased data usage.

Puducherry's 15th Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan, effective May 5. This follows the election results announced on May 4, which saw N Rangasamy's AINRC-led NDA secure a decisive victory, winning 18 seats in the 30-member House.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's success involved key figures beyond Vijay. N Anand, Aadhhav Arjuna, K G Arunraj, K A Sengottaiyan, and J C D Prabhakar were instrumental. Their diverse backgrounds, from fan club leadership to former civil service and veteran politics, contributed significantly. These individuals' efforts shaped the party's electoral outcomes.

African Proverb of the day: An African proverb compares knowledge to a garden, emphasizing that intellectual and personal growth requires consistent care and effort. Just as a garden needs nurturing to yield a harvest, knowledge must be actively developed through practice and continuous learning to produce wisdom, skill, and success.

Quote of the day by Angelina Jolie: She emphasizes that life's trajectory is shaped by everyday choices, not just grand plans. Her philosophy highlights that personal growth stems from action and experience, rather than a pursuit of perfection, ultimately defining who we become.

Chandranath Rath, executive assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The attack occurred on a public road in Madhyamgram. Rath sustained critical injuries and was declared dead at a hospital. This incident follows violence in Sandeshkhali's Nazat, where security personnel were injured.

Congress MLAs in Kerala will meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to select a new chief minister. Senior leaders Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken are in the state capital to gather opinions. The party aims to complete the selection process by Sunday. Several leaders are considered frontrunners for the top post.

Roth IRA is a smart way to pass money to family with less tax. It allows tax-free growth and easy transfer to heirs. There are simple rules for withdrawal and time limits heirs must follow. It also helps avoid extra legal costs. Many people use it to build long-term wealth and give financial support to the next generation safely.

Vijay's TVK party won 108 seats and sought to form the government. The governor's approval for the oath-taking ceremony was uncertain. Congress offered conditional support to TVK, breaking ties with DMK. Left parties and AIADMK ruled out support for TVK. Talks of a DMK-AIADMK alliance surfaced but were deemed unworkable.

Landman Season 3 update: Season 3 of Landman is progressing quickly, with director Stephen Kay confirming that episodes are being edited during filming. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, continues to gain momentum after strong viewership. While details about the plot remain limited, returning cast members are expected.

The new BJP government in West Bengal will be sworn in on May 9. The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event. Senior leader Suvendu Adhikari is reportedly leading the race for the chief minister's post.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has resigned with his cabinet. This paves the way for a new NDA government. The Governor has accepted the resignation and the dissolution of the assembly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the new government's swearing-in ceremony. This event is anticipated to occur after May 11.

New Ministry of Defence guidelines introduce stricter penalties for defence suppliers. Companies failing to meet contract terms or supplying underperforming equipment face a five-year ban. Those involved in ethical misconduct, including corruption and bribery, can be banned for up to ten years.

The psychology of workplace favoritism shows that it is rarely about one employee being more capable than another. Instead, it often stems from a leaders insecurities, personal biases and desire for control.

India's services exports hit a record $421.3 billion in fiscal year 2026. This pushed total goods and services exports to an all-time high of $863.1 billion. Services exports saw an 8.7% increase. Merchandise exports also grew, contributing significantly. This performance highlights India's strong export capabilities amidst global challenges. Each quarter of fiscal year 2026 achieved peak export levels.

Companies are fighting a rising tide of fake goods. Brands from toothpaste to cigarettes are changing packaging and tightening checks. Counterfeiters are becoming more skilled, replicating even holograms. This crisis is escalating, forcing businesses to take enforcement into their own hands. Social media amplifies the damage to brand image, making continuous education of distributors and retailers crucial.

India's power ministry is planning a significant 20,000 crore scheme for carbon capture technology. Cabinet approval is expected by July. This initiative aims to reduce emissions from crucial industries like power, steel, and cement. The scheme will support decarbonisation efforts and help balance energy needs with climate goals.

Operation Sindoor has significantly altered India's defense strategy. The armed forces are now prioritizing unmanned warfare and integrating advanced technology. Procurement processes are being streamlined for faster acquisition of modern weaponry. New combat units are being formed, emphasizing speed and self-reliance.

JPMorgan Chase offered one million dollars to settle sexual assault and harassment claims. These claims were made by a former investment banker, Chirayu Rana. The offer came before his lawsuit, filled with serious allegations, gained widespread attention on Wall Street. Rana had initially demanded over twenty million dollars. JPMorgan maintains its internal investigation found no evidence to support the claims.

India's services sector saw strong growth in April, reaching a five-month peak. Domestic demand and new orders fueled this expansion. Manufacturing activity also improved. The combined economic activity showed renewed momentum. Service providers are optimistic about future demand. However, concerns about global conflicts and rising costs persist. Input costs increased, but firms absorbed some of these expenses.

The Maharashtra government has halted planned Hindi language tests for its officers. This decision follows strong opposition from political parties like MNS and UBT Sena. The examinations were scheduled for June 28. Minister Uday Samant stated the necessity of these exams will be reviewed.

India's economic growth faces challenges due to the Iran war. S&P Global Market Intelligence has lowered India's FY27 growth forecast. Geopolitical tensions are impacting fiscal space and capital expenditure. Infrastructure spending, a key growth driver, may be constrained. India's debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise. Despite these near-term risks, structural drivers like services, manufacturing, and AI support medium-term growth.

Bank lending in the UAE is slowing down. Lenders are becoming more careful with new loans. This is happening because of the ongoing Iran conflict. Businesses in real estate and construction are finding it harder to get credit. Banks are setting aside more money to cover potential risks. Some businesses are now looking for private lenders.

New rules are set for companies managing their own provident fund trusts. Mandatory annual audits are replaced by a risk-based system. Interest rates offered by these trusts will now be capped. Exempted establishments can retain their status after mergers and acquisitions. These changes aim to strengthen oversight and improve ease of doing business.

India's Op Sindoor offers a model for modern warfare. Unlike protracted conflicts, it used calibrated force with clear objectives. The operation swiftly degraded Pakistani infrastructure and restored deterrence. This approach achieved mission goals within 88 hours. It highlights the importance of controlled escalation and disengagement for national interests and prestige.

India and Vietnam elevated their ties to an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', signing 13 MoUs focused on defense and economic cooperation, including banking and digital payments. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030 and strengthen financial connectivity through central bank cooperation and linking payment systems.

Diageo has experienced an unforeseen surge in sales for the latest quarter, attributed to robust growth in Africa and Latin America that successfully counterbalanced a slowdown in the U.S. market. As the company upholds its annual forecast, it is simultaneously grappling with issues stemming from decreased consumer expenditure and shifting market dynamics.

Anthropic pre-IPO valuation explained: AI startup Anthropic's implied pre-IPO valuation has surged to a record $1.2 trillion, a 20% increase in just one week. This rapid ascent, driven by significant cloud and chip spending plans and strategic partnerships, positions Anthropic as a major player in the global tech landscape.

Quad foreign ministers will convene in Delhi to counter China's growing influence, focusing on critical minerals, technology, and supply chains. This meeting follows the US President's China visit. Meanwhile, Indian companies committed a record $20.5 billion in investments to the US, bolstering bilateral trade and strengthening supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals.