RESERVATION POLICY
Global Markets: Uncertain global outlook keeps investors balancing risk and opportunity
Markets start the week on a positive note as Donald Trump signals possible easing of the Iran conflict, supporting global equities. However, optimism is tempered by concerns over sticky inflation, mixed economic data, and policy uncertainty. Investors are closely watching the April 21 hearing of Kevin Warsh, with shifting expectations now pointing to fewer or no rate cuts this year.
UAE asks US for a wartime financial lifeline as Iran conflict drags: Report
The United Arab Emirates is in discussions with the United States regarding a potential financial backstop. This measure is being considered in anticipation of a deepening crisis stemming from the Iran war. UAE Central Bank Governor raised the possibility of a currency-swap line with US Treasury officials.
Long-term bonds are cheap now; patient investors may gain big, says Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton
Rate cuts are off the table, inflation is creeping up, and the Strait of Hormuz remains a wildcard. In a candid interview with ET Wealth’s Kayezad E. Adajania, Rahul Goswami of Franklin Templeton, sees a clear opportunity in long-dated bonds for investors who can stomach near-term volatility.
Govt releases set of FAQs on women's reservation bill
The government has issued FAQs addressing women's reservation in legislatures. This follows the defeat of a Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The FAQs clarify the proposed 33 per cent quota for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Implementation is linked to delimitation after the 2026 Census. The government aims for timely benefits for women.
PM Modi flays Opposition for women's quota bill defeat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly criticized opposition parties for the defeat of a bill aimed at fast-tracking women's reservation. He held the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party responsible for this outcome. Modi assured that women's reservation would eventually be implemented. He stated that parties opposing the legislation would face consequences from women voters.
Even if there are 543 or 850 seats, BJP will win: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Delimitation
Speaking with the reporters outside the Parliament, Joshi said that the Centre delinked the census from delimitation to ensure women's reservation and increase the overall seats in the Parliament.
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5 world market themes for the week ahead
Markets are optimistic as U.S. President Trump signals an end to the Iran war. Talks may resume soon. However, upcoming economic data could show slowing business and rising prices. Investors also await the Federal Reserve nominee's Congressional hearing. Tesla earnings are also a key focus for U.S. corporations this week.
What’s happening with mortgage rate right now— should you lock before the April Fed meeting or wait for lower home loan rates?
Mortgage rates today are hovering near 6.3%. That is a sharp jump from around 5.7% just weeks ago. The market is moving fast. Buyers are feeling the pressure. The big question now is simple. Should you lock your mortgage rate before the April Fed meeting or wait? Right now, inflation is still high. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady. That does not guarantee mortgage rates will fall. In fact, they can rise even without a Fed hike. Bond yields are driving home loan rates higher. If volatility continues, today’s rates may look cheaper soon. Waiting could be risky. Locking may offer stability in an uncertain market.
Lok Sabha rejects women's reservation proposals under the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026
Lok Sabha rejected a legislative package to implement 33% women's reservation in legislative bodies, aiming for operationalization by the 2029 elections. This move delinks the quota from the census-linked delimitation, potentially expanding the Lok Sabha to 850 seats. While advancing the quota, concerns about population-based reallocation persist, requiring further parliamentary and state ratification.
Quote of the day Stanley Druckenmiller: "Earnings don't move the overall market; it's the Federal Reserve Board. Focus on the central banks, and focus on the movement of liquidity."
Central banks like the Federal Reserve control market direction through liquidity. Abundant money fuels asset prices, while tightening liquidity can stall markets. Even strong company earnings may not boost stock values when money is scarce. Investors should monitor central bank actions and liquidity flows for market insights.
No reservation to Muslims; quota on basis of religion unconstitutional: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made waves by declaring that reservations based on religion for Muslims breach constitutional principles. He has also revealed that the next population enumeration will include a caste census.
PM Modi to chair first-ever CAPFs leadership conference in Delhi in May
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a significant leadership conference for Central Armed Police Forces officers in May. This inaugural event in Delhi will focus on emerging internal security challenges. Senior officials from the CAPFs, along with Home Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval, are expected to attend. The conference aims to synchronize efforts and strengthen national security responses.
Will gold price reach $4,900 or fall towards $4,500 and silver rate touch $90 or slip below $60 this month? Market outlook, analysts insights and investor strategy
Will gold price reach $4,900 or fall towards $4,500 and silver rate touch $90 or slip below $60 this month? Gold held steady and moved toward a fourth weekly gain as hopes of a US-Iran peace deal shaped inflation and interest rate expectations. The dollar fell and oil eased. Indian banks paused imports. Silver gained momentum. Analysts now discuss price targets, risks, and investor strategy for this month.
Economic criteria alone doesn't justify extra relaxations in Central Govt jobs, says Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court has ruled against extending age and attempt relaxations for Economically Weaker Section candidates applying for Central government jobs. The court stated that such decisions are government policy matters. It noted that EWS is an economic category, distinct from caste-based reservations.
India's economy slipping to 6th rank, IMF data shows, prospects bright
India has slipped to the sixth largest economy in 2025 in nominal terms, according to the International Monetary Fund, but it remains the fastest-growing major economy. The IMF projects India’s growth at 6.5% in 2026, far ahead of the United Kingdom.
US Fed's John Williams says Iran war is already driving up inflation pressures
Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said Thursday that the Middle East war is already driving up inflationary pressures, and uncertainty over the outlook is limiting how much the central bank can say about what's next for interest rate policy.
Women’s reservation, Delimitation bills: PM Narendra Modi offers 'blank cheque' to opposition for credit
Narendra Modi described the women’s reservation and delimitation bills as a defining moment for Parliament, saying they will shape India’s political future and strengthen inclusive governance. He defended women’s reservation as a national reform beyond politics, while accusing opposition parties of hypocrisy for backing quotas at the local level but resisting them in Parliament. Modi also highlighted the growing political role of women at the grassroots and warned that those opposing the move could face long-term political consequences.
All eyes on the Fed: April meeting date and rate decision predictions
Fed interest rate decision April 2026: As the Federal Reserve's April 28-29 meeting looms, interest rates are expected to hold steady for a third consecutive time. Officials are navigating inflation risks from the Iran war against economic uncertainty. Added scrutiny surrounds Chair Jerome Powell's potential exit and the political hurdles facing his successor.
Centre’s women quota, delimitation formula has my 100% support: N Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu fully backs the proposed delimitation bill and women's reservation, emphasizing the need to delink seats from population figures. He believes the Centre's formula is scientific and will lead to increased representation. Naidu also plans to incentivize larger families and launch a women-centric brand, while advocating for a socio-economic caste census.
BRS, YSRCP punch a hole in Centre's delimitation move
Southern parties BRS and YSR Congress have raised concerns over the bill, questioning its linkage to the 2011 Census for delimitation. K. T. Rama Rao warned it could penalise southern states, while YSRCP backed women’s reservation but called for fair regional seat distribution within states.
Southern CMs oppose delimitation push, seek wider consultations; Vijayan calls for bill to be dropped
Southern Chief Ministers Siddaramaiah, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Revanth Reddy are uniting against the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise, fearing it will harm their states' political representation. They argue for a transparent, consultative process, warning that population control success could be penalized. The leaders also called for women's reservation to be implemented separately.
US Fed's Beth Hammack says rates likely on hold 'for a good while', CNBC reports
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said on Wednesday that while she sees no imminent need for the central bank to change its interest rate target setting, it's possible cuts or even hikes could lie ahead.
Why are US stock market futures largely unchanged and Nasdaq up while Dow Jones and S&P 500 flat? Wall Street futures, key US stocks, analyst views, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are US stock market futures largely unchanged and Nasdaq up while Dow Jones and S&P 500 flat? Futures stayed steady as investors paused after a rally and waited for earnings, Federal Reserve comments, and Middle East updates. Bank earnings, oil prices, and global growth outlook shaped sentiment. Technology stocks gained slightly. Analysts discussed risks, opportunities, and investor strategies as markets assessed the next move and future milestones.
Mayawati bats for sub-quota for SC, ST, OBC women within 33% reservation
BSP chief Mayawati advocates for a dedicated sub-quota system for women from SC, ST, and OBC backgrounds within the proposed 33% women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. She emphasizes that this addition is vital to realize the measure’s intended purpose of genuine empowerment.
Why are US stock market futures up today, and will S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq stay in green or turn red again? Wall Street futures, US stocks to watch, analysts insights, market outlook
Why are US stock market futures up today, and will S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq stay in green or turn red again? Futures moved higher as investors reacted to hopes of de-escalation in Middle East tensions, awaited key inflation data, and prepared for major corporate earnings. Markets remain sensitive to Federal Reserve signals, fuel-driven inflation, and company guidance, which will decide whether the rally continues or markets turn red again in the coming days.
Why are gold and silver prices down, and will gold drop to $4,500 and silver slip to $70? Analysts insights, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are gold and silver prices down, and will gold drop to $4,500 and silver slip to $70? Precious metals fell after rising Middle East tensions pushed oil above $100, lifted the dollar, and reduced rate cut hopes. Markets now watch inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and war risks to judge the next move in gold and silver prices.
'Era of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Beti Badhao': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta backs Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
Parliament will convene for a special session to advance the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This move introduces a 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state legislatures. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta lauded this initiative, calling it a significant step for women's empowerment. The government aims to implement this reservation through a new census and delimitation process.
Net FDI inflows dip, investors opting for Mexico, Vietnam
Officials and experts attribute this trend to the country having to compete with Mexico, Poland, and Vietnam, a preferred part of investors' nearshoring and friendshoring policies after the Covid pandemic, and the US cornering a large share of tech-related investments.
Modi government wants to put caste census in cold storage: Congress
Congress accuses the government of delaying the caste census. It claims Prime Minister Modi intends to amend the women's reservation law with deceptive intentions. The party highlights past government stances against a caste census. This comes ahead of Parliament's session where bills for women's reservation and Lok Sabha seat increase are expected. Opposition leaders plan a joint strategy meeting.
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