US stocks recovered from earlier losses, with the S&P 500 bouncing back after a global bond selloff. The Labor Department reported a dip in weekly initial jobless claims, indicating a solid labor market. Oil prices surged, raising inflation concerns as Brent crude settled significantly higher. Technology shares also showed strength, particularly after Accenture's positive revenue forecast.
Malaysia Airlines MH370: Malaysia Airlines changed flight numbers MH370 and MH371 following the aircraft's disappearance in March 2014. The aircraft, carrying 239 people, vanished during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Extensive search operations were conducted in the Indian Ocean, but the main wreckage remains undiscovered.
Congress has cleared a bill that would give Social Security’s key claiming ages new names. The proposal would call 62 the “minimum monthly benefit age,” 67 the “standard monthly benefit age,” and 70 the “maximum monthly benefit age.” The ages themselves would not change. The goal is to make the benefit trade-offs easier to understand before workers decide when to claim.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Trump administration is working with India to finalise a bilateral trade deal, but an agreement is not imminent. Greer said he had a “very constructive conversation” with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the G20 trade ministers meeting and that officials remain engaged.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson stated that he sees no immediate need for further interest rate adjustments. He emphasized that future decisions would depend on analyzing economic data trends and risks. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari expressed uncertainty regarding the timing of the next rate hike amidst strong economic performance. Both officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges of managing inflation that exceeds the 2% target.
The Bezos Earth Fund has committed $25 million to enhance conservation efforts across five Pacific island nations, now totaling approximately $63.3 million dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems. This initiative strives to safeguard at least 30% of the oceanic territories by 2030, aligning with Jeff Bezos' ambitious $10 billion climate pledge. As the deadline nears, over $7 billion remains available for impactful distribution.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and West Bengal government on TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s plea alleging obstruction in implementing works under the MPLADS in her Krishnanagar constituency. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard her allegations that her functioning as an MP had been impeded.
A tigress translocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve will be released into West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve on Friday, marking the first such exercise in Bengal and eastern India. The move aims to restore the reserve’s tiger population, strengthen the ecosystem and boost tourism in the Dooars region, officials said.
An Indian man who has lived in Australia for 10 years has shared a humorous comparison of public holidays in Australia and India. Aditya Khaneja pointed to holidays linked to sporting events, horse racing and fairs in Australia, contrasting them with India’s religious and national occasions. His take on weekend holiday rules also drew attention online.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the Election Commission over changes to online Form 6, asking who ordered Tata Consultancy Services to implement them and who approved them at TCS. Gandhi also asked whether the company was pressured. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh separately alleged the changes were aimed at removing Gen Z voters.