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Wall Street divided Friday, but Nasdaq gains 222 points

Fri, 01 May 2026 20:37:44 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - World stock markets closed with a split personality on Friday, as technology-heavy indexes posted solid gains while blue-chip Dow industrials stumbled. Investors digested a fresh batch of economic signals, leading to a mixed finish for major indices across the globe.

In New York, the NASDAQ Composite led the char

Kone strikes $34 billion deal to acquire rival TK Elevator

Fri, 01 May 2026 20:28:29 GMT

HELSINKI, Finland: Finnish elevator maker Kone has agreed to acquire Germany's TK Elevator in a US$34 billion deal that would reshape the global lift industry and create the world's largest manufacturer by market value.

The transaction, valued at 29.4 billion euros, comes as elevator companies seek new growth opportunities beyond China, where a prolonged property downturn has dampened demand. The combined entity

UAE quits OPEC, raising questions over future oil price control

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:25:48 GMT

FRANKFURT, Germany: The United Arab Emirates' decision to leave OPEC marks one of the most significant shifts in the global oil market in decades, potentially weakening the cartel's ability to control supply and influence prices over the long term.

The UAE said it will formally exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Friday, ending its membership in a group that has for decades coordinated

Investors press Alphabet on oversight of AI, cloud contracts

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:25:20 GMT

LONDON, U.K.: A group of Alphabet shareholders is stepping up pressure on the company to clarify how it monitors the use of its cloud and artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in government and surveillance contexts.

In a letter seen by Reuters, investors representing a combined US$1.15 trillion in assets asked for a meeting with Alphabet management after the company rejected a proposal seeking more

Dow Jones soars 790 points as U.S. markets reach for sky

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:09:09 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - North American stock markets closed sharply higher on Thursday, delivering broad-based gains as investors returned to risk assets following a string of positive economic signals and strong corporate updates. All three major U.S. averages finished in the green, while Canada's main benchmark posted an even larger percentage gain.

At an event on April 27, the company introduced a hiring platform called Connect Talent to help businesses recruit large numbers of worke

U.S. stocks slip after Federal Reserve sticks with current interest rates

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:05:34 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed mixed on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting decided to leave interest rates unchanged.

"Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, on average, and the unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. Inflation is elevated, in part reflecting the

Trump eyes new import taxes after court blocks tariffs

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:03:50 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration is racing to rebuild its tariff regime after the Supreme Court struck down a key legal tool earlier this year, forcing officials to find new ways to maintain import taxes and the revenue they generate.

Temporary tariffs imposed in February under emergency powers are set to expire in less than three months, leaving the White House scrambling for longer-term solutions. Th

Regulators eye crackdown as prediction markets grow fast

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:16:23 GMT

NEW YORK CITY, New York: A surge in betting on real-world events, from elections to military actions, is putting prediction markets under growing scrutiny, as regulators and lawmakers question whether they are vulnerable to insider trading and abuse.

Recent incidents have raised concerns about how fair these platforms are. Massive bets placed ahead of major developments, including a ceasefire announcement involv

Powell’s final Fed meeting may keep rates unchanged

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:12:40 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged this week, as policymakers weigh rising inflation risks tied to energy prices and growing uncertainty over the central bank's leadership.

The Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to keep its benchmark rate in the 3.50 percent to 3.75 percent range when it concludes its meeting on April 29. The decision would exte

OpenAI frees cloud strategy, loosens Microsoft ties

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:38:49 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, California: OpenAI is loosening its long-standing exclusive arrangement with Microsoft, allowing the ChatGPT maker to offer its technology across rival cloud platforms in a major shift that could reshape competition in artificial intelligence.

The revised partnership, announced jointly on April 27, keeps Microsoft as OpenAI's primary cloud provider and grants it

Stalled Iranian negotiations restrain U.S. stock markets Tuesday

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:06:08 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - With President Donald Trump unable to bring to a close the war in Iran, and with negotiations stalled, investors and traders on Wall Street kept buying at bay on Tuesday. With oil prices 40 percent above pre-war levels, the impact on the global economy is heightening by the day. Adding to the world's worries with oil, the UAE announced Tuesday it would withdraw from OPEC next month, and will

Greece’s debt falls below Italy’s, ending years as euro zone’s highest

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:40:28 GMT

ATHENS/ROME: Italy is set to become the euro zone's most indebted country this year, overtaking Greece as Athens continues to bring down its debt burden after years of fiscal reforms.

Greece's public debt is expected to fall to about 137 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026, down from 145.9 percent in 2025, according to two senior officials familiar with the country's fiscal outlook.

By compari

US launches global push over claims of AI theft by Chinese firms

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:31 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. State Department has directed diplomats worldwide to raise concerns with foreign governments over what it describes as attempts by Chinese companies to extract and replicate American artificial intelligence models, according to a diplomatic cable seen by Reuters.

The cable, sent to U.S. embassies and consulates, instructs officials to engage counterparts on "concerns over adversaries'

Dow Jones slides 63 points in weak start to week

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:06:46 GMT

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed with a divided performance on Monday, as technology shares lifted the Nasdaq Composite while a pullback in blue-chip stocks weighed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

The Standard and Poor's 500 managed a fractional gain to start the trading week. The broad-market index rose

Consumer confidence sinks in April; inflation outlook jumps

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:41:12 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest level on record in April, as rising energy costs linked to the Iran war continued to weigh on household sentiment despite a ceasefire.

The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers said its Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to a final reading of 49.8, down from 53.3 in March. Although slightly higher than the preliminary reading of 47.6 earlier in

Goldman Sachs to settle lawsuit over role in 1MDB scandal

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:55:40 GMT

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Goldman Sachs has agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit accusing it of misleading investors over its role in the 1MDB scandal, marking another step in the long-running fallout from one of the world's biggest financial fraud cases.

In a letter filed in Manhattan federal court, Goldman and the shareholders said they had reached an agreement in principle and expect to submit the settlement

Beijing slams EU for adding Chinese entities to Russia sanctions

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:57:26 GMT

BEIJING, China: China has sharply criticized the European Union's decision to include Chinese companies in its latest sanctions against Russia, warning of retaliatory steps and calling for their removal.

The country's commerce ministry said it "firmly opposes" the move and urged the EU to immediately take Chinese entities off its sanctions list.

The EU's 20th sanctions package targets suppliers from third

Musk tempers robotaxi timeline as Tesla rollout lags plans

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:42:24 GMT

LOS ANGELES, California: Tesla's long-promised robotaxi expansion is progressing more slowly than expected, with CEO Elon Musk adopting a notably cautious tone on timelines and safety as the company scales its autonomous driving ambitions.

Speaking during Tesla's first-quarter earnings call, Musk said he hopes to have robotaxis and fully driverless vehicles operating in "a doz

Trump to increase tariffs on EU cars to 25% next week, citing non-compliance from bloc

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:21:18 GMT

Washington DC [US], May 1 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union will be increased to 25 per cent starting next week, citing alleged non-compliance by the bloc with a trade agreement.

According to a post on Truth Social, the US President stated that the vehicles manufactured in the United States would not face any such tariffs, encoura

Scottie Scheffler to skip Truist Championship in run-up to PGA

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:05:05 GMT

(Photo credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images)

The field list for the Truist Championship is out and, once again, Scottie Scheffler is not on it.

The World No. 1 opted not to compete at the $20 million signature event one week before the second major of the season, the PGA Championship.

The rest of the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking are in the field, announced Friday, except for eighth-ranked Ru

EU "keeps options open" if U.S. breaches trade deal: spokesperson

Fri, 01 May 2026 20:45:20 GMT

BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will "keep options open" to protect its interests if the United States takes measures inconsistent with the joint statement between the two sides signed last year on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade, a European Commission spokesperson told Xinhua on Friday.

"We remain fully committed to a predictable, mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. Should the

ITALY-ROME-ECONOMY SITUATION

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:47:22 GMT

(260501) -- ROME, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People walk past the Rome Branch of the Bank of Italy in Rome, Italy, May 1, 2026. Euro area annual inflation is expected to rise to 3.0 percent in April, up from 2.6 percent in March, while economic growth remained weak in the first quarter, Eurostat said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)

Himachal faces 'horticulture crisis' due to Centre's policies: Congress MLA Kuldeep Rathore

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:28:25 GMT

Shimla (Himachal pradesh) [India], May 1 (ANI): All India Congress Committee Spokesperson and Congress MLA from Theog, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, has raised concerns over the reduction in apple import duty and its impact on Himachal Pradesh's horticulture sector before Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Kangra on Thursday.

He also attacked the Centre over rising inflation and demanded compensation

China-Europe tourism to further develop in quality, for mutual benefits, ETC CEO says

Fri, 01 May 2026 17:15:12 GMT

Santander said China-Europe tourism cooperation has made solid progress in recent years, with air connectivity recovering strongly and payment solutions improving.

BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China is a strategic market for European tourism, both in scale and value, Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC), has said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

Santander

Institutional innovation powers up China's digital economy

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:15:28 GMT

FUZHOU, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Visitors explored Beijing's Forbidden City through VR or tried AI health consultations, while nearby, tech experts debated token pricing and data sandbox security. This scene took place at the ninth Digital China Summit in east China's Fujian Province, where digital infrastructure meets everyday applications.

The event, held on Wednesday and Thursday, featured over 50 sub-forums and dial

Valkyries lead WNBA with $850M valuation

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:05:12 GMT

(Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images)

The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA's most valuable franchise for a second straight year, according to Sportico.

The team has a valuation of $850 million after setting a league record with $78 million in revenue during its inaugural season in 2025.

The New York Liberty rank a distant second at $600 million, followed by the Indiana Fever ($560M), Seattle

'Cruel irony on Labour Day': CM Siddaramaiah calls LPG hike "Modi's 'gift' to working class"

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:52:18 GMT

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 1 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday accused the Centre of hiking commercial LPG cylinder prices immediately after Assembly elections, calling it 'organised looting'.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was increased by Rs 993 on May 1, taking the cost to Rs 3,071.50 per cylinder. He alleged the Centre had 'deliberat

India-Russia BrahMos venture posts record revenue

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:19:18 GMT

The jointly developed missile is in demand, and a $500 million deal with Vietnam is reportedly in the works

Indo-Russian BrahMos Aerospace posts record 2025-26 revenue with 48.6% growth. Vietnam eyes $611.5 mn deal for supersonic missiles as India expands global defense exports

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint

Tech giants ramp up AI spending, but returns remain uncertain: Jefferies

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:09:23 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Global technology companies are set to spend unprecedented sums on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, even as concerns mount over weak returns and uncertain business models, according to a latest Greed & Fear report by Jefferies.

The report, titled 'The mother of all capex cycles', highlights that AI-related capital expenditure by major US tech players could reach abo

Piyush Goyal, UK's Peter Kyle discuss boosting trade under India-UK CETA

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:25:49 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday held a virtual interaction with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, with a focus on fully leveraging opportunities under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Sharing details of the interaction, Goyal sa

LAOS-VIENTIANE-INTERNATIONAL LABOR DAY

Fri, 01 May 2026 08:19:37 GMT

(260501) -- VIENTIANE, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A construction worker is pictured in Vientiane, Laos, April 30, 2026. TO GO WITH "Feature: Laos honors workers, recognizing contributions to national development" (Photo by Wang Yuping/Xinhua)

U.S.-VIRGINIA-ARLINGTON-PCE-INFLATION

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:48:11 GMT

(260501) -- ARLINGTON, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A woman fuels a vehicle at a gas station in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, on April 30, 2026. Fast-rising gasoline prices pushed the U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge to 3.5 percent in March, marking its highest rate in almost three years, according to new economic data released on Thursday.

The U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) pr

Hyundai reports highest-ever April domestic sales of 51,902 units, exports at 13,708 units

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:44:17 GMT

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], May 1 (ANI): Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) reported its highest-ever domestic sales for the month of April 2026 at 51,902 units, marking a year-on-year growth of 17 per cent, according to company data released on Friday.

The company also reported exports of 13,708 units in the month, reflecting steady overseas demand alongside domestic performance.

According to HMIL, the dom

West Asia conflict may trigger USD 800 bn capex boost for India, but oil and fertiliser risks remain: Morgan Stanley

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:36:04 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): The ongoing conflict in West Asia could emerge as both a challenge and an opportunity for India, with global brokerage Morgan Stanley projecting a sharp rise in domestic investments across energy, defence, fertilisers and data infrastructure, even as the country grapples with elevated risks from oil and fertiliser imports.

In its latest report Morgan Stanley said the geopolitical t

Market to track Middle East conflict, earnings and auto sales after flat week; Indian equities closed today for Maharashtra Day

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:28:52 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): The Indian stock market will closely monitor developments in the Middle East, the earnings season, and April auto sales data in the coming week, as investors navigate persistent global and domestic headwinds, SBI Securities said in its weekly outlook.

'Any positive breakthrough in the Middle East could improve risk appetite and support equity markets,' the brokerage noted, adding t

Wast Asia conflict may trigger USD 800 bn capex boost for India, but oil and fertiliser risks remain: Morgan Stanley

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:25:54 GMT

In its latest report Morgan Stanley said the geopolitical t

RBI's ECL norms may cause up to 120 bps one-time hit for banks: Crisil

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:12:34 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 1 (ANI): Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) proposed shift to an expected credit loss (ECL) framework could lead to a one-time net impact of up to 120 basis points (bps) on banks' Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratios, though the overall credit profiles of lenders are expected to remain stable says Crisil Ratings.

In a press release, Crisil said banks would be allowed to spread the impa

AI is changing cyber offense and defense, says US' Council of Advisers on Science & Technology member, David Sacks

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:09:31 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Former White House Crypto and AI Czar and US' Council of Advisers on Science & Technology member David Sacks has weighed in on the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, arguing that AI models are not a 'doomsday device' but tools that will reshape both cyber offense and defense.

Sacks made the remarks on X while reposting a thread by the AI Security Institut

Jury of 61st International Art exhibition La Biennale di Venezia quits amid row over Russia participation

Fri, 01 May 2026 02:20:09 GMT

Venice [Italy], May 1 (ANI): The International Jury for the 61st Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prominent art exhibitions scheduled to open on May 9 and in which India is participating after a gap of seven years, has resigned over the decision to allow Russia to attend, Italian state media has reported.

The Venice Biennale organiser announced in a statement on Thursday that the resignations of the Inter

EU-Mercosur interim trade deal enters into provisional application

Fri, 01 May 2026 01:51:47 GMT

BRUSSELS, 1st May, 2026 (WAM) -- The EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement entered into provisional application on 1 May, bringing immediate and tangible benefits for EU businesses, workers, and citizens.

The agreement will gradually eliminate import duties on over 91% of EU goods exported to Mercosur, opening a shared market of over 700 million people. As of today, the deal will remove or drastically reduce tariff

UPI completes 10 years; emerges as world's largest real-time payments platform, anchoring India's digital economy

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:42:46 GMT

New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched on April 11, 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has emerged as the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem and a critical driver of financial inclusion.

Over a decade of operations, UPI has demonstrated extraordinary scale and momentum. Ann

Reporters Without Borders slam Israel for abducting journalists

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:34:43 GMT

Three correspondents were detained aboard the Gaza-bound activist flotilla

International advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of kidnapping journalists traveling on board of the Gaza-bound activist flotilla intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Thursday.

The Israeli forces seized 22 of the 58 boats of the pro-Palestinian Second Sumud Flotilla near the Greek island

Reporters Without Borders slams Israel for abducting journalists

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:34:43 GMT

Three correspondents were detained aboard the Gaza-bound activist flotilla

The Israeli forces seized 22 of the 58 boats of the pro-Palestinian Second Sumud Flotilla near the Greek island

U.S. key inflation gauge in March hits highest level in almost 3 years

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:15:15 GMT

NEW YORK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Fast-rising gasoline prices pushed the U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge to 3.5 percent in March, marking its highest rate in almost three years, according to new economic data released on Thursday.

The U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for March rose 0.7 percent from February, a faster-than-expected acceleration from the previous monthly pace o

US stock markets climb on corporate earnings

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:45:37 GMT

NEW YORK, 1st May, 2026 (WAM) -- US stocks advanced on Thursday and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq logged their biggest monthly gains in years on solid corporate earnings.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 790.33 points at 49,652.14. The S&P 500 index was up 73.06 points at 7,209.01, while the Nasdaq composite was up 219.07 points at 24,892.31.

US Embassy shares Rubio's remarks on significance of India-US ties

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:28:06 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The US Embassy in India on Thursday shared a picture of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and recalled Rubio's words that the India-US partnership spanning vast areas such as defence, energy and critical minerals and engagement through Quad delivers for the two countries and the Indo-Pacific region.

'Throwback Thursdays- Reflecting on

Eurozone teeters on stagflation in Q1 as Mideast conflict bites

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:15:08 GMT

European officials warned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East is adding to fiscal and economic pressures across the region. Mikko Spolander, director general of the economics department at Finland's finance ministry, said a swift resolution is critical to contain economic damage, warning the shock is compounding fiscal pressures.

BRUSSELS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Latest Eurostat data released

Report: Apple's Cook, Meta's Zuckerberg among Seahawks suitors

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:40:31 GMT

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Tech titans Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook are among the parties interested in buying the Seattle Seahawks, Front Office Sports reported Thursday.

The Seahawks have been up for sale by the estate of late owner Paul Allen since shortly after winning Super Bowl LX in February.

Allen, the Microsoft co-founder who purchased the team in 1997 for $194 million, died

Over 50,000 candidates selected for PSU banks in FY26, workforce up 33%: Govt data

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:37:51 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Government has strengthened manpower in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) with 50,552 candidates selected and issued offer letters in FY 2025-26, marking a 33 per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.

'Recruitment in PSBs is conducted through the Institute of Banking Personnel Sele

Samsung focuses on HBM as AI demand drives record quarterly profit

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:33:44 GMT

Seoul [South Korea], April 30 (ANI): Samsung Electronics, on Thursday, announced its strategy to prioritize high-value memory products, specifically high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server chips, as supply shortages triggered by the artificial intelligence boom are expected to persist for some time.

According to a report by The Korea Herald, the tech giant reported a record-breaking first-quarter operating profit

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Q1 profit surges 40% amid AI substrate demand

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:29:39 GMT

Seoul [South Korea], April 30 (ANI): The South Korean electronics components manufacturer, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, posted a first-quarter profit jump of 40 per cent with an operating profit of 280.6 billion won, or approximately USD 189 million, on Thursday.

According to a report by The Korea Herald, this financial result surpassed the 271.5 billion won (approx. USD 185 million) that analysts previously expec

U.S.-NEW YORK-U.S. Q1 GDP

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:46:27 GMT

(260430) -- NEW YORK, April 30, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 29, 2026 shows a container terminal at the Port of New York and New Jersey, the United States. The U.S. Commerce Department reported Thursday that the U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2 percent in the first quarter, falling short of Wall Street expectations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

LIV Golf seeks 'long-term financial partners' as Saudi Arabia's PIF confirms exit

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:55:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Reuters via Imagn Images)

LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, touting '100% year over year' financial growth in 2026.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season.

'PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 sea

GERMANY-FRANKFURT-ECB-INTEREST RATES-UNCHANGED

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:45:32 GMT

(260430) -- FRANKFURT, April 30, 2026 (Xinhua) -- European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde attends a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 30, 2026. ECB on Thursday left the three key interest rates unchanged. (ECB/Handout via Xinhua)

Mumbai-Pune Missing Link to cut travel time, improve logistics and boost industry: CII

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:41:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Mumbai-Pune 'Missing Link' project on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway is set to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance logistics efficiency, providing a boost to industry and investor confidence, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said on Thursday.

The project, implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), will be opened t

EU activates interim trade agreement with Mercosur from tomorrow

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:54:21 GMT

BRUSSELS, 30th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The interim trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries will enter provisional application from tomorrow, 1st May, in a move the EU said will deliver immediate and tangible benefits to European businesses, workers and citizens by reducing tariffs and opening new opportunities in one of the world's largest trading regions.

On this

Indian equities close deep in red as Sensex falls 582 points, Nifty closes below 24,000 mark

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:38:53 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Indian benchmark indices concluded Thursday's session with significant losses following a volatile day of trading dominated by global pressures. The BSE Sensex shed 582.86 points, or 0.75 per cent, to settle at 76,913.50. Simultaneously, the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 180.10 points, or 0.74 per cent, to end the day at 23,997.55.

At the time of filing this report, Brent Crude Oil f

US cable outlines new construct to control Strait of Hormuz media

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:26:31 GMT

The loosely defined initiative will reportedly be pitched to foreign governments by the State Department

The US is set to pitch foreign governments on a new initiative for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, with participation explicitly excluding "adversaries" Russia and China, according to media reports.

The proposal was outlined in a cable sent on Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto hold wide ranging talks, discuss West Asia situation

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:32:43 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday met with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto and held extensive talks on defence cooperation and the current situation in West Asia.

Speaking about his meeting Rajnath Singh posted, 'Happy to have welcomed my Italian counterpart Mr Guido Crosetto and held extensive talks with him in Delhi today. We discussed a wide range of regional

Deficient monsoon may push inflation higher, impact CPI by 0.4% in FY27: ICICI Bank Report

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:31:40 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): A below-normal monsoon in 2026 could push inflation higher in India, with an estimated 0.4 per cent impact on Consumer Price Index (CPI), according to a report by ICICI Bank.

The report highlighted that the impact will largely be driven by rain-fed crops, which account for 6.1 per cent of the CPI basket, even as the overall food basket carries a weight of 34.8 per cent.

From pink autos to global enterprises: Women redefining Udaipur's growth story

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:14:33 GMT

Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 30 (ANI): In today's rapidly evolving world, women are no longer waiting for opportunities; they are creating them. In Udaipur, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway, where women are not only taking control of the steering wheel on the streets but also carving out strong identities in the business world.

A striking new sight on Udaipur's roads is the emergence of pink

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto lays wreath at National War Memorial

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:52:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on Thursday laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and inspected the Guard of Honour. He also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre and the two ministers will hold bilateral talks.

During the meeting, the Ministers will discuss a range of issues covering defence cooperation between the two countries. They are also

India's GDP forecast of 7-7.4% for FY27 clouded by West Asia war: Finance Ministry

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:45:49 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): India's GDP growth forecast of 7-7.4 per cent for FY2026-27 is facing uncertainty due to the evolving macroeconomic outlook amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to the Finance Ministry's monthly economic review.

The ministry said India enters FY2026-27 at a point where strong domestic fundamentals are being tested by external challenges. It noted that the economy grew

US aircraft carrier likely to exit Middle East as Iran talks stagnate: Report

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:37:39 GMT

Washington DC [US], April 30 (ANI): A US aircraft carrier, alongwith its strike group is likely to vacate the West Asia region in a few days, CBS reported, citing confirmation by a top US official on Wednesday (local time).

The USS Gerald R Ford, which will be leaving the Middle East, is one of the three US carriers in the region, as per CBS News. This development comes even as US President Donald Trump has refus

If extended, RBI's ECL norms unlikely to materially disrupt NBFCs; sector largely compliant: Report

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:36:37 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India are largely well-positioned to absorb the impact of expected credit loss (ECL) provisioning norms, with most entities already maintaining adequate buffers, according to a recent report by Kotak Institutional Equities.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has finalised ECL guidelines for banks, effective FY2028, introducing m

Govt reviews export ecosystem, pushes MSMEs, agri exports and Brand India focus

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:33:41 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday chaired a review meeting on the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and allied activities to strengthen implementation mechanisms, improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance monitoring frameworks aimed at boosting India's export performance.The discussion focused on 'strengthening implementation, improving coordinat

West Asia crisis poses supply shock risk, if recovery delayed inflation may spread across economy: Finance Ministry

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:31:40 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Finance Ministry has warned that the ongoing West Asia crisis could lead to a supply shock for the Indian economy, with risks of rising inflation if oil supply disruptions persist, according to its monthly economic review for April.

The ministry noted that repairing damage to oil and gas production and supply infrastructure in the Gulf region may take several months.

US shifted from 'managing world's energy' to 'disruption': IRGC

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:27:33 GMT

Tehran [Iran], April 30 (ANI): The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Trump administration shifted from the strategy of 'managing the world's energy' to 'disruption', and Iran has now become the center of the 'coalition against disruption.'

The IRGC said that the disruption project was launched by the US to contain China, Russia and Europe.

In a post on X, the IRGC said, 'The Trump admin

Dalal Street tumbles as crude tops USD 120; Nifty slips 278 pts, Sensex down 914 pts in opening

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:33:54 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): The domestic stock markets opened under heavy selling pressure on Thursday as Brent crude oil futures surged above USD 120 per barrel, denting investor sentiment amid continued uncertainty in West Asia.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,899.20, falling 278.45 points or 1.15 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened at 76,582.24, down 914.12 points or 1.18 per cent.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto today

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:51:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of Defence of Italy Guido Crosetto, in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Ministers will discuss a range of issues covering defence cooperation between the two countries. They are also expected to share their views on regional and global issues in view of the evolving security landscape, a sta

US Fed holds rates at 3.5%-3.75% amid dissent from four officials, flags Middle East tensions adding uncertainty

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:17:27 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in the range of 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent at its latest policy meeting, even as four officials dissented and ongoing developments in West Asia added to uncertainty over the economic outlook.

In its statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said it decided 'to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate a

Italy probes Venice Biennale over Russias participation media

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:12:59 GMT

The EU has protested the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the prestigious art festival

Italy's Culture Ministry is investigating the organizers of the Venice Biennale, a prestigious art festival, after Russia was allowed to return to the event, Italian media reported on Wednesday.

Many cultural institutions in the West have cut ties with Russia since February 2022 over the Ukraine confl

Italy probes Venice Biennale over Russian particiaption media

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:12:59 GMT

The EU has slammed the reopening of the countrys early 20th century pavilion at the prestigious art festival

Italy's Culture Ministry is investigating the Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious art festival, after event organizers announced that Russia would be allowed to return to the event after a 4 year ban, Italian media reported on Wednesday.

Practically all Western cultural ins

Italy probes Venice Biennale over Russian participation media

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:12:59 GMT

The EU has protested the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the prestigious art festival

Italy's Culture Ministry is investigating the organizers of the Venice Biennale, a prestigious art festival, after Russia was allowed to return to the event, Italian media reported on Wednesday.

Many cultural institutions in the West have cut ties with Russia since February 2022 over the Ukraine confl

No deal unless no nukes: Trump calls US naval blockade against Iran 'genius'; CENTCOM says 42 ships turned back

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:52 GMT

Washington DC [US], April 30 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran as 'genius,' asserting that Tehran would have to concede defeat while ruling out any agreement unless it abandons its nuclear ambitions.

'The blockade is genius. The blockade has been 100% foolproof. It shows how good our Navy is, I can tell you that. Nobody's going to play games. We hav

GHANA-ACCRA-CHINA-ZERO-TARIFF POLICY

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:15:25 GMT

(260429) -- ACCRA, April 29, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Daniel Kombat, chief executive officer of Danikom Ghana Limited, a producer of natural shea butter and African black soap, poses for photos with shea butter products at an exhibition stand during the Shea 2026 conference in Accra, Ghana, April 28, 2026. Daniel Kombat has said that his company is preparing to capitalize on opportunities in the Chinese market following China'

Update: U.S. Fed keeps interest rate unchanged amid high energy prices

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:15:15 GMT

Of the 12 FOMC members, 11 voted for keeping the rate unchanged. Stephen Miran, who voted against the action, preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at the meeting.

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday decided to maintain its target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5-3.75 percent as high energy prices added inflatio

World economy will suffer terrible crisis amid rising crude prices: Economist Jeffrey Sachs

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:10:17 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs on Wednesday issued a stark warning that the global economy is teetering on the edge of a 'terrible crisis,' primarily driven by the escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the resulting surge in crude oil prices.

'The world economy will suffer a terrible crisis,' Sachs said while addressing FICCI Legend Series, cautioning that sustaine

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-FEDERAL RESERVE-CHAIR-JEROME POWELL

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:45:33 GMT

(260429) -- WASHINGTON, April 29, 2026 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell attends a press conference in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 29, 2026. The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on Wednesday advanced confirmation of Kevin Warsh's nomination as the next Federal Reserve chair with a vote on party lines. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's term as Fed chair ends on May 15

PIF to no longer financially back LIV Golf

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:40:27 GMT

(Photo credit: Reuters via Imagn Images)

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund confirmed Wednesday it will no longer finance LIV Golf, according to the Wall Street Journal. The league will notify its players and staff by Thursday.

Reports of PIF pulling its funding have been rampant for weeks. The Telegraph reported LIV officials were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York last week, and a tournament

'Future-ready Indo-Pacific': Amitabh Kant hails India-New Zealand FTA; praises Minister Goyal, McClay

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:52:13 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 29 (ANI): Former G20 Sherpa and ex Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Wednesday welcomed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, calling it a step toward a more 'integrated and future-ready Indo-Pacific.'

Kant joined celebrations at the New Zealand High Commission marking the conclusion of the FTA. He added that the FTA opens up significant opportunities across goods and

RAM and infrastructure lending to drive growth as Indian Bank targets 95% digital transactions, says MD Binod Kumar

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:40:57 GMT

Chennai (Tamil Nadu),[India], April 29 (ANI): Indian Bank will continue to focus on Retail, Agriculture and MSME (RAM) alongside infrastructure lending as key growth drivers, while scaling up digital adoption to reach 95% of transactions, said Binod Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

'RAM will remain our focus area because RAM is still, believe, this country, you see total debt to G

China wont fight the US, but may still pay the price

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:17:22 GMT

Beijings cautious foreign policy reflects deeper strategic constraints

The dramatic events of the first months of 2026 offer a useful lens through which to assess the evolving role of the world's major powers. Among those often cast as architects of a new international order, China stands out, arguably even ahead of Russia and the United States, both of which remain preoccupied with their rivalry

Paradise Biryani plans to add 100 stores in key metros, says CEO Abhik Mitra

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:09:15 GMT

Hyderabad (Telangana), [India], April 29 (ANI): Paradise Biryani plans to add at least 100 new stores across cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Bombay, Pune and Delhi as it looks to scale its presence and dominate India's biryani category, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Abhik Mitra said Wednesday.

Speaking with ANI, Mitra said the Hyderabad-based brand is riding strong momentum a

PGA returns to Doral after decade absence for Cadillac Championship

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:05:03 GMT

(Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)

The Blue Monster returns to the PGA Tour this week with the introduction -- or rather, reintroduction -- of the Cadillac Championship, beginning Thursday at Trump National Doral outside Miami.Doral hosted a tournament annually from 1962 through 2016; it was a World Golf Championship event for the final 10 years and sponsored by Cadillac from 2011-16. As the PGA Tour distanc

U.S. Fed keeps interest rate unchanged amid high energy prices

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:15:31 GMT

NEW YORK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday decided to maintain its target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5-3.75 percent as high energy prices added inflation pressures.

Middle East war to drive 24% surge in energy costs World Bank

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:40:55 GMT

The world is facing the biggest global energy supply shock on record, which will drive inflation and dampen economic growth globally

The Middle East war has triggered the biggest global energy supply shock on record and will drive a sharp rise in commodity prices, pushing inflation higher and slowing economic growth worldwide, the World Bank has warned.

Attacks on energy infrastructure and

Indian markets end higher despite brent crude topping $115, Nifty gains 0.8% led by ITC and Reliance

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:10:32 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 29 (ANI): The Indian stock markets displayed resilience on Wednesday, closing in the green despite Brent crude prices surging to $115 per barrel -- their highest level since 2022 -- amid heightened uncertainty over the Iran war and the UAE's decision to exit OPEC.

The Nifty 50 settled at 24,177.65 points, up 0.8 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed 609.45 points higher at 77,496.36 point

Shock and opportunity: The consequences of the UAEs OPEC exit

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:36:31 GMT

Abu Dhabis break with the cartel could flood markets, rattle prices, and redraw power lines from Riyadh to Moscow

The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC and the OPEC+ format effective May 1, 2026, ending nearly six decades of membership. This marks the largest institutional disruption to the oil production coordination system since the establishment of the expanded OPEC+

CHINA-FUJIAN-FUZHOU-9TH DIGITAL CHINA SUMMIT-OPENING (CN)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:45:40 GMT

(260429) -- FUZHOU, April 29, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Wang Xingxing, founder and chief executive officer of Unitree Robotics, speaks at a main forum of the 9th Digital China Summit in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 29, 2026. The summit, under the theme "Accelerating Innovation and Development in Digital Technologies and Deepening the Building of Digital China", opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan

60 days later: the US-Israeli war on Iran so far

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:28:34 GMT

Donald Trumps misadventure in the Persian Gulf has become a quagmire

Sixty days into the US-Israeli war on Iran, peace talks are stalled and the world is bracing for yet more economic pain. RT asks how we got here, and who - if anyone - is really winning in the Persian Gulf?

April 29 marks 60 days since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran. The initial hours of the conflict were mar

China's innovation drive a boon to the world

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:20:41 GMT

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is strengthening its role as a key driver of global economic growth by promoting high-quality development through sci-tech innovation, with officials and analysts saying the innovation drive is a boon to the world.

Speaking at the China Development Forum 2026 in March, Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Econ

US Fed likely to hold rates steady, amid inflation risks from conflict, in policy announcement today: Report

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:56:53 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 29 (ANI): The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its upcoming policy meeting on Wednesday, as rising inflation risks from geopolitical tensions and a slowing growth outlook complicate the policy environment, according to a report by ICICI Bank.

The report said that at the conclusion of its policy meeting scheduled for April 28-29, the Federal Open Market Co

IT services growth to stay range-bound at 3 per cent as AI deflation pressures margins, mid-tiers better placed says Kotak

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:54:50 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 29 (ANI): The Indian IT services sector faces a prolonged phase of slower growth and margin pressure as AI-driven budget shifts crowd out traditional services spending, with no meaningful recovery in sight for FY2027, according to a brokerage report. While total technology spending is accelerating, the incremental dollar is flowing into GPU infrastructure, foundation models and AI software rath

Trump's claims of "collapse" stem from "propaganda": Iranian Consul General in Mumbai

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:37:23 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 29 (ANI): Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has dismissed claims regarding Tehran's economic and political stability, describing assertions made by US President Donald Trump as often stemming 'either from misperceptions or from propaganda considerations.'

Speaking to ANI, the Consul General addressed the alleged financial losses and diplomatic pressur

Trump mulling extended Iran blockade as approval rating falls media

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:32:11 GMT

The US president sees the option as preferable to active hostilities or a retreat, even as gas prices continue to grow, according to the WSJ

US President Donald Trump has ordered a plan to prolong the blockade of Iranian ports in a bid to pressure Tehran towards a more favorable peace deal, despite his approval rating hitting record lows, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing sources.