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US stock markets today (April 1, 2026): Wall Street gains on Iran ceasefire hopes; S&P 500 rises 0.6% as oil eases


US stock markets today (April 1, 2026): Wall Street gains on Iran ceasefire hopes; S&P 500 rises 0.6% as oil eases

US stock markets traded higher on Wednesday, tracking a global rally as easing oil prices and hopes of a potential end to the Iran war lifted investor sentiment, according to AP.The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, adding to its sharp gains from the previous session, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 292 points, or 0.6%, as of 10 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1%, led by gains in technology stocks.The rally followed strong gains across global markets, with South Korea’s Kospi surging 8.4% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumping 5.2%, while key European indices in France, Germany and the United Kingdom rose more than 1%.Investor optimism was driven by comments from US President Donald Trump, who said Iran had “just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” shortly before markets opened. “We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”Trump had also said earlier that the US military campaign could end within two to three weeks, adding to hopes of de-escalation. These remarks followed earlier signals, including a report quoting Iran’s president as saying the country has “the necessary will to end the war” under certain conditions, including guarantees against future aggression.Oil prices eased on these developments, with Brent crude trading at around $101.16 per barrel, down from recent highs but still significantly above pre-war levels of about $70.Despite the gains, markets remain volatile as the conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies. Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which about one-fifth of global oil flows during peacetime.US gasoline prices also rose further, with the national average reaching $4.06 per gallon, according to AAA.“The worry on Wall Street has been that the war may last a long time and keep oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf out of global markets, which could create a brutal blast of inflation,” the report said.Analysts cautioned that the impact of the conflict may persist even if hostilities ease.“De-escalation hopes have given markets a lift, but we think the effects of the war would, in many cases, persist even if the war did end soon,” said Thomas Mathews, head of markets, Asia Pacific at Capital Economics, AP quoted.“It’s worth thinking through how markets might fare if the war were to end ‘very soon’… Do markets have further to recover if sentiment continues to improve? The answer is almost certainly yes,” he added.On Wall Street, most stocks traded higher, with Big Tech leading gains. Alphabet rose 2.8% and Nvidia gained 0.8%, providing strong support to the S&P 500.Among other stocks, Nike dropped 13.1% despite reporting better-than-expected quarterly profit, as weak financial forecasts weighed on investor sentiment. Hasbro declined 3.6% after reporting unauthorised access to its computer network.In the bond market, US Treasury yields were largely stable. The 10-year yield edged up to 4.32% from 4.30% late Tuesday, supported by stronger-than-expected data on retail sales and manufacturing activity.The White House said President Trump is expected to address the public later in the day on the Iran war, a key event that markets will closely monitor for further direction.While equities have responded positively to ceasefire hopes, continued geopolitical tensions and elevated oil prices remain key risks for global markets and inflation outlook.



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IndiGo revises fuel surcharge on domestic tickets from April 2 after govt hikes jet fuel price


IndiGo revises fuel surcharge on domestic tickets from April 2 after govt hikes jet fuel price

IndiGo on Wednesday announced that it will start levying revised fuel charges ranging from Rs 275 to Rs 10,000 on domestic and international flights from April 2, following the rise in jet fuel prices.The move comes as jet fuel prices for scheduled Indian airlines have risen by around 8.5% in April, though the increase has been lower than initially feared. The central government on Wednesday issued a clarification on the jet fuel price hike and capped the increase in ATF prices for domestic airlines at 25%.Citing tensions in the Middle East and closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by US-Israeli strike on Iran, the Centre called it “only a partial and staggered increase”.With the higher fuel charges, airfares are set to rise for various domestic and international flights. The revised charges will be applicable from 0001 hours on April 2.The announcement from the country’s largest airline came on a day when aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were revised.For domestic flights, depending on the distance, the revised fuel charges will range from Rs 275 to Rs 950.“With this clarity, IndiGo has also recalibrated its domestic fuel charge to vary by different travel distances,” the airline said in a statement.In the case of international flights, the fuel charges will vary from Rs 900 to Rs 10,000 depending on the distance.“For international operations, ATF prices have more than doubled in the last month, consequentially driving a significant impact on the airline’s operating costs on these routes,” the statement said.Although fully offsetting the fuel price increase would require substantial fare revisions, IndiGo said it has passed on a relatively smaller amount to customers, keeping in mind the consequential burden on them.From March 14, the airline has already been levying fuel charges ranging from Rs 425 to Rs 2,300 on domestic and international flight tickets.In Delhi, ATF now costs Rs 1,04,927 per kilolitre, up from Rs 96,638.14 last month. At the country’s second-busiest hub, the price has increased to Rs 98,247 from Rs 90,451.87.The relatively moderate hike is expected to help avoid a sharp increase in airfares for most passengers and comes as a relief for financially strained airlines as well as flyers.However, the impact has been far more severe for non-scheduled, ad hoc, and charter operators. For domestic flights in this segment, ATF prices have surged by about 115%, while international operations have seen an increase of roughly 107%.



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Amid UBT & Cong oppn, Gargai dam plan OKed | Mumbai News


Richa.PintoMumbai: After prolonged back-and-forth, the Gargai dam project was cleared by BMC’s standing committee on Wednesday, despite opposition from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.While Shiv Sena (UBT) led by corporator Yashodhar Phanse pushed for desalination as an alternative to the dam, Congress argued that the proposal was premature and pointed out that rehabilitation of project-affected persons and tree transplantation has not yet been completed. BJP claimed credit for bringing down the project cost escalation from around 9% to nearly 2% above the estimate. Ganesh Khankar, its leader in BMC, said that there’s no denying that increasing the water quantum the city gets is the need of the day. “But there was also a need to ensure this project is not given highly above estimate. We have managed to do that by referring back the proposal in the past meetings and ensuring the contractor does the work almost on a par,” he said. Ashraf Azmi, Congress’s leader in BMC, contested this, alleging that despite claims of reduction, the project cost has not been effectively brought on a par.The project carries significant environmental implications, including the transplantation of around 3 lakh trees and compensatory afforestation across 658 hectares in Washim, Chandrapur and Hingoli districts. Additionally, villagers are proposed to be relocated to Devali in Wada taluka. Once commissioned, the dam will add 440 million litres a day to Mumbai’s water supply, making it the city’s first new reservoir since Middle Vaitarna became operational in 2014.



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Aditya Uppal recalls turning down ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as Omar Haider: ‘My immediate response was ‘no, not now’ |


Aditya Uppal, initially hesitant to act after a decade-long break, found his way back to the screen with ‘Dhurandhar’. Despite a seemingly small role, his impactful presence, especially in the sequel’s climax and the ‘Tamma Tamma’ scene, garnered significant attention and a surge in his social media following, reigniting his acting career.

‘Dhurandhar’ turned out to be a major cinematic moment, but for Aditya Uppal, the journey into the film was far from straightforward. Cast as Omar Haider, a Lyari Task Force officer in Aditya Dhar’s action drama, the actor initially declined the opportunity. What followed was an unexpected turn of events that eventually brought him back to the screen after years.Recalling how the offer first came his way, Uppal shared with Hindustan Times, “In 2024, I got a call from Mukesh Chabbra’s office saying ‘there is something interesting you’d like to do?’ and my immediate response was ‘no, not now!’ as I was seriously busy with my ad agency business.”

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Dhurandhar 2 Online Leak Exposed; Fans Take Quick Action To Alert Aditya Dhar

Having stayed away from acting for nearly a decade, he admitted that self-doubt had crept in. “So, there is a kind of disbelief which seeps in,” he said, explaining how he had grown used to hearing rejections or being considered for smaller parts.

How did Aditya Uppal eventually land role in ‘Dhurandhar’?

Despite his initial refusal, things took a different turn when he decided to audition. “But, then, the casting associate suggested I go for it and I gave a very casual audition. Then multiple auditions and a look test happened and I got selected. I am grateful that I was asked to reconsider after a no!” he said.Aditya had earlier appeared briefly in ‘Break Ke Baad’ and ‘Omerta’, but ‘Dhurandhar’ marked a significant return, offering him a more impactful presence on screen. When ‘Dhurandhar’ released, his role seemed limited at first, leading to mixed reactions at home. “Of course they were happy to see me on the big screen as part of a mega film but expected that I would get more scenes or dialogues,” he shared.Uppal revealed that he stayed quiet for months, knowing what the sequel held. “They came with zero expectations in part two but when the ‘Tamma Tamma’ song scene started and my role took off, all were elated.”

End-credit moment of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

The turning point came unexpectedly during the film’s closing moments. “We were leaving and then the final shot came and my cousin shouted ‘tu to phir aa gaya!’ The movie ending on me was a bonus!” he recalled. That brief appearance struck a chord with audiences and quickly gained traction online, making him a widely recognised face almost overnight. With growing popularity came a mix of responses on social media. “My 1.2K following on Insta shot to 33K so I am getting recognition,” he said.Alongside appreciation, he also received unusual reactions from viewers. “With love I am getting weird messages as well like ‘How can I torture Yalina (Sara Arjun)?’, ‘Hamza could have killed more if I had not done investigation’ or ‘How can I hit Hamza?’.” He added that one emotional moment stood out, saying, “Best was when I got emotional when an offer rose on my boss Aslam’s coffin and the public was clapping on it.”

What’s next for Aditya Uppal after ‘Dhurandhar’?

Currently spending time in Goa with his family, Aditya revealed that new opportunities are finally coming his way. “I am getting offers to read scripts which I want to sensibly move forward. I have waited for this day for 16 years!” he said. After years away from the spotlight, ‘Dhurandhar’ has not only revived his acting career but also opened doors to more substantial roles in the future.



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WATCH: PSL ground staff’s hilarious experiment failure with the wind during rain-interrupted league match



The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has long been celebrated as a stage for high-octane T20 cricket, blending Pakistan’s local flair with international stardom. However, the 2026 edition has recently found itself in the eye of a storm, quite literally. What began as a season of immense promise has transitioned into a series of logistical and disciplinary hurdles, leaving fans and officials alike navigating a comedy of errors that has threatened to overshadow the talent on the field.

Gusty conditions send PSL ground staff tumbling in Lahore

The Tuesday night fixture at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi was expected to be a heavyweight clash. Instead, it became a battle against the elements. A sudden, violent thunderstorm accompanied by hailstones and fierce winds lashed the venue, forcing the match to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled. While the washout was a blow to the standings, the real show happened during the frantic attempts to cover the pitch.

As the wind picked up speed, the Gaddafi Stadium ground staff found themselves in a hilarious, albeit dangerous, wrestling match with the heavy tarpaulin sheets. In a scene that quickly went viral on social media, several staff members were seen being lifted and tossed by the billowing covers as they struggled to anchor them against the gale. One groundsman, caught in a particularly strong gust, was sent tumbling across the turf, highlighting the chaotic nature of the evening. The experiment of trying to outmanoeuvre nature failed spectacularly, leaving visible wet patches and a saturated outfield that eventually forced match referee Roshan Mahanama to call off the game. This incident adds to a growing list of PSL 2026 mishaps, ranging from discoloured team kits to underwhelming stadium attendances in certain legs.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: David Warner pulls up Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan over inattentive behaviour at PSL 2026 conference

Fakhar Zaman suspended for two matches over ball tampering in PSL 2026

While the wind caused chaos in Lahore, a more serious storm was brewing in the disciplinary offices of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Lahore Qalandars’ star batter, Fakhar Zaman, has been slapped with a two-match suspension following a high-profile ball-tampering incident. The controversy stems from a tense Sunday clash against Karachi Kings, where the Qalandars were defending a slim margin in the final over.

The drama unfolded when Haris Rauf was preparing to bowl the 20th over with Karachi needing 14 runs. Footage showed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf, and Zaman huddled together, all three handling the ball. Following a request from umpire Faisal Afridi to inspect the leather, officials determined that the ball’s condition had been deliberately altered. Consequently, a five-run penalty was awarded to Karachi Kings, and the ball was replaced. This penalty proved decisive, as Karachi’s Abbas Afridi capitalized on the reduced target to seal a four-wicket win.

Zaman was charged with a Level 3 offense under Article 2.14 of the PCB Code of Conduct. Despite his denial of any wrongdoing, match referee Mahanama upheld the charge, leading to the maximum suspension. As the PSL 2026 moves forward, the league faces the dual challenge of tightening its disciplinary grip and hoping for better luck with the unpredictable spring weather.

Also READ: Ball-tampering in PSL 2026: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman under fire after viral clip





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‘No existential threat’: Israeli foreign minister jibes Iran, says can’t promise this will be ‘last war’


'No existential threat': Israeli foreign minister jibes Iran, says can't promise this will be ‘last war’

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday indicated that ongoing and future conflicts remain a possibility, saying that the country cannot guarantee the current war will be its last.Speaking amid continued regional tensions, Saar said Israel’s adversaries still retain the capability to launch attacks, though they do not currently pose a fundamental threat to the country’s existence.

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UAE ‘Joins’ Trump’s Iran War, ‘Readies Warships, Ground Troops’ To ‘Free’ Hormuz | Report

“We will need, in the future as well, to remain vigilant against our enemies’ plots,” he said. “We do not promise that this will be ‘the last war’,” he said. His remarks come as war in the Middle East, now in its second month, shows no sign of abating. The offensive from both sides continues to escalate only, US-Israel and Iran and allied groups. While Israeli officials maintain that their security posture has contained major threats, they acknowledge that risks from hostile actors persist.Saar emphasised that despite ongoing hostilities, Israel does not face an “existential threat” at present, suggesting that while security challenges continue, they are being managed within the country’s defence framework.It comes as US president Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran has asked for “ceasefire,” and went on to describe the “new Iranian regime as much less radicalised and much more intelligent.”



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Birthright citizenship case: Trump becomes first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at SC


Birthright citizenship case: Trump becomes first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at SC

Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday. The apex court is examining the constitutionality of his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or on temporary visas.Trump confirmed his plans a day earlier, telling reporters, “I’m going… I think so, I do believe,” before departing the White House on Wednesday morning for the hearing. The order, signed on January 20, 2025 at the start of his second term, forms a central plank of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. However, every lower court to review the policy has ruled against it, blocking its implementation. A final decision from the Supreme Court is expected by early summer.Trump’s presence in the courtroom breaks with long-standing norms. Presidents have traditionally avoided attending Supreme Court arguments to maintain a clear separation between the executive and judicial branches, and to avoid any perception of influencing the bench. Legal experts say the appearance reflects the high personal and political stakes for Trump, even as they argue it is unlikely to affect the justices’ decision-making.The hearing itself features a high-profile legal clash. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who previously secured a major presidential immunity ruling favourable to Trump, is arguing in defence of the administration’s policy. Opposing him is American Civil Liberties Union legal director Cecillia Wang, who is presenting her case against the order.The arguments are expected to run beyond their scheduled time, as the nine justices led by Chief Justice John Roberts weigh a case with far-reaching constitutional implications.



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‘Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed’: SC imposes Rs 25,000 penalty on Centre over CISF dismissal case | India News


'Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed': SC imposes Rs 25,000 penalty on Centre over CISF dismissal case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday imposed costs of Rs 25,000 on the Centre for challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had set aside the dismissal of a CISF official, observing that the matter involved unnecessary litigation.Upholding the high court’s ruling, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan also directed that the official be granted back wages, holding that the punishment imposed was disproportionate.“We fail to understand why the Union of India has challenged the order of the high court division bench. We hear pendency, pendency. Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed,” said Justice Nagarathna, as cited by PTI.“Why can’t there be an opinion that if the high court found it disproportionate and granted relief setting aside all the orders, we shall not go to the Supreme Court? He took medical leave but he also had to deal with an elopement in his family,” she added. Referring to her recent remarks at a conference organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Nagarathna said the court had taken the observations regarding the government’s role in the backlog of cases very seriously.“It was not just to go to some resort and come back. We made preparations, we did homework. We spoke. Not to forget,” she said.Two charges were levelled against the CISF official, absence from duty for 11 days and alleged indiscipline for purportedly conniving with a woman, the daughter of a CISF constable, to leave Mumbai and attend her wedding with his younger brother.The high court, however, noted that the 11-day absence had been explained, as the official was on sanctioned medical leave during that period.Justice Nagarathna noted that during the disciplinary proceedings, the woman involved had appeared and stated that she had no grievance against the respondent-petitioner regarding the allegation that she had run away with his brother.“It is otherwise not in dispute that the brother of the respondent-petitioner had married the lady concerned. It has, therefore, been found that in-fact there was no misconduct on the part of the respondent for which he could be removed from service,” said the High Court.



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RCB vs CSK: Tickets, metro perks & all you need to know ahead of big clash | Cricket News


RCB vs CSK: Tickets, metro perks & all you need to know ahead of big clash
RCB vs CSK on March 5 (Screengrab)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is set for a blockbuster clash against Chennai Super Kings on March 5 on their homeground Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With one of the most anticipated clashes of IPL 2026 approaching, tickets have officially gone live, and fans have been provided with detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth match-day experience.How to Book RCB vs CSK TicketsTickets are available exclusively through the official RCB website and mobile app. Fans are advised to avoid third-party platforms or unauthorized sellers, as only official channels guarantee valid entry into the stadium.In a major boost for spectators, all valid ticket holders will be eligible for complimentary metro travel on match day. Fans can access this benefit via the Metro QR code available alongside their mobile ticket, making travel to and from the venue hassle-free.M-Ticket & Entry GuidelinesEach digital ticket will include essential details such as entry gate, stand, row, and seat number. The QR code required for stadium entry will be activated only a few hours before the gates open. Spectators are advised to check their tickets carefully and follow designated entry points via Cubbon Road, Link Road, and MG Road. Entry through Queens Road will be restricted, except for select Pavilion stands.Fans are encouraged to arrive early, follow the guidelines, and enjoy a seamless match-day experience at Chinnaswamy.Strong Start From RCB as defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off their campaign in dominant fashion, registering a strong win in their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. Defending champions RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign with a clinical 6-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, 2026. Chasing a target of 202, RCB reached 203/4 in just 15.4 overs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, recording the fastest 200+ run-chase in IPL history. Meanwhile, CSK had a rough Start of IPL 2026 as Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a dominant 8-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 season opener on March 30, 2026. Played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, RR chased down a target of 128 in just 12.1 overs, finishing at 128/2 with 47 balls to spare.



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US retail sales rise 0.6% in February; Iran war fuel spike threatens consumer spending outlook


US retail sales rise 0.6% in February; Iran war fuel spike threatens consumer spending outlook

US retail sales rose 0.6 per cent in February after a slight decline in January, signalling cautious consumer activity even before a sharp surge in fuel prices triggered by the Iran war, according to AP.Data released by the Commerce Department showed retail sales rebounded from a 0.1 per cent drop in January, beating expectations. However, economists have flagged concerns that rising energy costs could weigh on consumer spending in the coming months.Gasoline prices crossed USD 4 per gallon this week for the first time since 2022, with the national average reaching USD 4.06 on Wednesday–about USD 1 higher than before the conflict began.Retail activity was mixed across categories. Sales at clothing and accessories stores rose 2 per cent, while electronics and appliance stores saw a 0.5 per cent increase. Online retail sales grew 0.7 per cent.The data excludes services such as travel and hotels, but restaurant spending–the only services category included –rose 0.4 per cent.The Iran war, which began on February 28, has disrupted global oil supplies by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil typically flows. Brent crude prices have risen more than 45 per cent since the start of the conflict.Diesel prices have increased faster than gasoline, raising transportation costs for businesses and adding to inflationary pressures.Economists had expected higher tax refunds to boost spending early in the year, but rising fuel costs are likely to offset that benefit.“The hit to real incomes from higher gas prices is especially regressive, hurting lower-income households disproportionately, while the lift from tax refunds is more evenly spread,” said Samuel Tombs, chief economist at Pantheon Economics. “Moreover, refunds will slow to a trickle by late April, providing little protection if high prices persist.”Tombs estimated that higher fuel prices could reduce real household incomes by about USD 15 billion per month.Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, said gas prices are approaching 3 per cent of median household income, a level that could start affecting discretionary spending.“When that gets up to about 4, 4 1/2, 5%, that’s really when people really start trimming back on some of their discretionary purchases,” he said.Retailers have also begun warning about the potential impact. Daniel Erver, CEO of Hennes & Mauritz, said rising energy costs are expected to have a “significant impact on the consumer behavior.”Darren Rebelez, CEO of Casey’s General Store, said a sharp pullback in spending is unlikely unless gasoline prices approach USD 5 per gallon.



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