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Mumbai: Indian equity gauges, battered in March due to the Iran war, eked out gains for the second straight week Friday on expectations the recent overtures of peace by both Iran and the US would move beyond tokenism into durable peace for a region that slakes the energy thirst of the world’s fastest-expanding major economy.

Recent gains for the rupee, which last fiscal ended up with the wooden spoon among Asian peers against the dollar, and expectations of further reduction in oil prices boosted equities such that investors were willing to bet beyond the frontliners, spotlighting appetite for stocks that are higher up the risk gradient.

The NSE’s Nifty rose 156.8 points or 0.65% to close at 24,353.55. BSE’s Sensex rose 504.86 points or 0.65% to end at 78,493.54. Both indices gained up to 1.3% this week. The Nifty had lost nearly 11% in March, its worst monthly fall since the Covid, as the rupee plunged in FY26 the most in 14 years in a pronouncedly backloaded retreat.

“This week’s gains were led by easing tensions in West Asia. As long as the conflict remains contained, with cooling oil prices and rupee strength, the positive bias is likely to persist,” said Sunny Agrawal, head of research, SBI Securities.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan fell 1.8%, China declined 0.1%, Hong Kong fell 0.9%, South Korea declined 0.6%, and Taiwan dropped 0.9%. The pan-Europe index Stoxx 600 was flat at the time of going to print.

Brent crude June futures eased to around $89 a barrel on Friday evening after swinging above and below the $100 mark through much of the week.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iran has yielded ground in ongoing talks to bring the seven-week conflict to an end. Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has strengthened expectations of a wider de-escalation.

Beyond Headlines
Among the broad market indices, the Nifty Mid Cap 150 gained 1.2% and Nifty Small Cap 250 rose 1.5%. For the week, both gauges gained 3.5-4.4%.

Out of the total 4,493 stocks traded on the BSE, 2,999 advanced and 1,327 had declined at close.

The Volatility Index or VIX, the market’s fear gauge, fell 4.9% to 17.21 levels on Friday, indicating some cool-off in traders’ risk perception. The index has declined over 19% in the past five trading sessions.

The rally could still run into headwinds, said analysts.

The Nifty index is now approaching a crucial resistance zone of 24,300-24,500, where profit booking could emerge, according to Mehul Kothari, DVP – technical research, Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers.

“From a technical perspective, the recent rally has been largely one-sided, and early signs of negative divergence are beginning to appear on the hourly charts,” he said. “This suggests that momentum may be slowing, even as prices continue to edge higher, and as a result, a short-term pullback towards the 23,600-23,700 zone cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Foreign portfolio investors net bought shares worth ₹683 crore. Domestic institutions were sellers to the tune of ₹4,721 crore.

Mumbai: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has retained the obligatory cession rate at 4% for FY27, directing all general insurers to place this share of each policy exclusively with state-run General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re). The move ensures GIC Re remains the anchor of India’s ₹50,000-crore reinsurance ecosystem. However, the regulatory fiat has stirred debate in a market that is seeing new domestic players.

The stipulation that only GIC Re can receive obligatory cessions has raised eyebrows, particularly as Jio-Allianz Re, a joint venture between Jio Financial and Allianz Group, and Valueattics Re, backed by Fairfax’s Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal’s Oben Ventures, have entered the fray. Together, these entrants are expected to challenge GIC Re’s dominance in the country’s reinsurance business.

LOS ANGELES — Jessica Alba is stepping confidently into 2026 with a blossoming romance, an action-packed film role on location in Australia and a continued focus on producing stories that highlight women and diverse voices.

The 44-year-old actress and entrepreneur shared a heartfelt Instagram carousel on April 3 recapping her first quarter of the year. Titled “Q1, wrapped 🫰🏽 The people, places & things that made it sweet,” the post featured two affectionate photos with boyfriend Danny Ramirez, 33, alongside images of her three children, a boat outing, crystal shelves and a glamorous night with friends including Karlie Kloss.

In one shot, Alba and Ramirez smiled in front of a venue, with the “Captain America: Brave New World” actor tilting his head toward her. She wore a cream vest and tank with a white cardigan; he sported a blue striped button-down and baseball cap. Another captured her hand on his back as she rocked a red-and-white mini dress. Ramirez commented on the post with “Cuánto te quierooooo” and fire heart emojis, meaning “How much I love you.”

The couple, first linked in July 2025 and Instagram-official by November, has been open about their relationship this year. Alba tagged Ramirez as “Mi amor” in March photos from the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, where she turned heads in a feathered sequin look. He replied that he was “the luckiest person on the planet.” Earlier, they enjoyed a romantic Miami getaway in February after Alba’s divorce from Cash Warren finalized. She was photographed in a black-and-white bikini celebrating the new chapter.

Alba shares daughters Honor, 17, and Haven, 14, and son Hayes, 8, with Warren. Recent posts show her prioritizing family time, including a joyful spring break trip to Kaua’i, Hawaii, with the children and friends.

Professionally, Alba is deep into filming “The Mark,” a stylish spy thriller on Australia’s Gold Coast. She stars as Eden, a tender yet formidable female operative on a covert mission. The character pulls single father Ben Dawson, played by Tom Hopper, into the high-stakes world of espionage when he is mistaken for a deadly assassin. The mix-up turns him into the perfect decoy to expose corrupt politicians, blending intense action with emotional depth.

Directed by Justin Chadwick and written by Ronnie Christensen, the project is produced through Alba’s Lady Metalmark Entertainment, co-founded in 2023 with Tracey Nyberg. The company focuses on women-first stories and underrepresented narratives in Hollywood. Nyberg noted that while “The Mark” arrives as a cool, stylish action movie, its core is a rare female character journey filled with humanity and tenderness. Alba has praised Eden’s femininity and emotional layers, contrasting typical masculine spy tropes.

Production has been underway in Queensland, with scenes shot in areas like Currumbin. Alba and Nyberg bonded intensely during earlier work in Australia, bonding over their shared drive to create commercial yet meaningful content. Lady Metalmark’s slate also includes an R-rated corporate retreat comedy heading to Netflix, a Fox thriller series inspired by a real-life psychic, and a Latino heist dramedy with Michael Peña and director Robert Rodriguez that Alba helped develop through her Culture Makers initiative.

Alba has spoken about the challenges of representation in Hollywood. “It’s still so bleak,” she said, emphasizing that women are “just as capable as anyone” and pushing to flip stereotypes through entertaining stories. Her producing work extends to projects like the Swiss Oscar entry “Queens,” the festival favorite “Valentina,” and an adaptation of the novel “Confessions on the 7:45” with Eva Longoria directing the pilot.

The actress surprised fans earlier this year with a cameo in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 halftime show. On Feb. 8, she danced onstage in a plunging white corset paired with low-rise oversized jeans and platform shoes, joining celebrities including Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal and Alix Earle. Alba later shared behind-the-scenes moments, describing “full body chills” and emotion at participating, especially as a Mexican-American artist in the Puerto Rican star’s vibrant “La Casita” set. Her young son Hayes cheered from the stands.

Beyond acting and producing, Alba continues her entrepreneurial legacy with The Honest Company, which she founded in 2012 to offer nontoxic household and baby products. She stepped down as chief creative officer in 2024 but remains on the board, providing strategic advice. The company has faced adjustments, including shutting down its app and direct website sales in early 2026 as part of a refocused business plan, yet Alba’s vision for clean living remains influential.

At 44, Alba balances a full life with grace. She kicked off the year with a zen beach escape and has shared moments of crystal collecting, wellness and quality time with loved ones. Friends and fans note her radiant energy, whether glammed up for red carpets or keeping it casual on family adventures.

Her relationship with Ramirez, who is 11 years her junior, has drawn positive attention for its easy chemistry and mutual support. Sources close to the pair have speculated about future plans, though Alba has kept details private while enjoying the present.

Industry observers say Alba represents a modern Hollywood success story: a former teen star who built a billion-dollar business, raised a family and is now carving a producing path that aligns with her values. Her work through Lady Metalmark aims to create opportunities for women and Latino talent in commercial fare that reaches wide audiences.

As filming continues on “The Mark,” anticipation builds for the spy thriller’s blend of action and heart. Alba’s character Eden promises a fresh take on the genre, emphasizing vulnerability alongside strength.

Fans have flooded social media with support for her latest posts, praising her style, motherhood and evolving career. From red carpet glamour at the Vanity Fair Oscars party to on-set action in Australia, Alba appears energized by new beginnings.

Looking ahead, her slate of producing projects suggests a busy 2026 and beyond. Whether starring in thrillers, developing diverse stories or sharing candid glimpses of life on Instagram, Jessica Alba continues to captivate with authenticity and ambition.

The actress has often spoken about wanting her children to understand money as freedom and joy rather than survival. That philosophy seems to guide her own multifaceted journey, one that embraces both personal happiness and professional impact.

As spring unfolds, Alba’s Q1 recap feels like a celebration of balance: romance, family, creative work and self-care all in harmony. With “The Mark” progressing and new producing ventures on the horizon, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Her story resonates because it reflects real evolution — from blockbuster actress to entrepreneur to producer championing change — all while staying grounded in what matters most.

Meta is preparing to cut thousands of jobs as early as next month, with deeper layoffs expected later this year, according to a report.

The tech giant intends to slash roughly 10% of its global workforce — or nearly 8,000 employees — in an initial round of cuts on May 20, sources told Reuters.

The company is also planning additional layoffs in the second half of the year, though details including timing and scope remain unclear, the outlet reported.

The report follows earlier Reuters reporting that Meta was weighing cuts that could affect at least 20% of its workforce as it seeks to offset rising artificial intelligence costs.

ADL WARNS META POLICY SHIFT COULD HURT AD REVENUE AS REPORT NOTES RISE IN HATEFUL, EXTREMIST CONTENT

When reached by FOX Business, Meta declined to comment.

Previously, a Meta spokesperson told FOX Business the earlier Reuters report was “a speculative report about theoretical approaches.”

The cuts come as Meta looks to offset the cost of AI infrastructure and streamline operations with AI-assisted workers.

META VOWS APPEAL OF ‘LANDMARK’ SOCIAL MEDIA VERDICTS, WARNS OF FREE SPEECH EROSION

CEO Mark Zuckerberg has invested billions of dollars in artificial intelligence as the company pivots toward the technology.

Meta has also reorganized teams within its Reality Labs division and moved engineers into a new Applied AI group focused on developing AI agents capable of writing code and performing complex tasks, according to Reuters.

Meta employed nearly 79,000 people as of Dec. 31, according to its latest filing.

META’S BAY AREA LAYOFFS AFFECT ROUGHLY 200 WORKERS AS COMPANY POURS BILLIONS INTO AI INFRASTRUCTURE

A 20% reduction would mark Meta’s largest restructuring since 2022 and early 2023.

The company laid off 11,000 workers in November 2022 — about 13% of its workforce — and cut another 10,000 jobs months later.

Other major companies, including Amazon, have also announced layoffs linked to AI developments.

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Amazon said in January it would cut around 16,000 jobs after previously announcing about 14,000 white-collar layoffs in October, bringing total reductions to roughly 30,000 roles.

Reuters contributed to this report.

INDIO, Calif. — Coachella 2026 Weekend 2 launches Friday as thousands descend on the Empire Polo Club for the final three days of the sold-out 25th-anniversary edition, featuring headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G alongside a vibrant mix of pop, electronic, indie and global talent.

Festival gates opened early Friday, April 17, with music starting in the afternoon under clear desert skies after a windy Weekend 1 that forced adjustments. Organizers released the full Weekend 2 set times earlier this week, giving fans a chance to map out their days across multiple stages while streaming options let remote viewers join the celebration.

Sabrina Carpenter headlines Friday night on the Coachella Stage with a 9 p.m. set, followed by electronic artist Anyma at midnight. Anyma’s immersive ÆDEN production was canceled during Weekend 1 due to strong winds but returns with heightened anticipation for a visually stunning main-stage debut. The xx performs at 7 p.m., Teddy Swims at 5:20 p.m. and earlier acts like Jaqck Glam keep the energy building throughout the day.

Saturday brings Justin Bieber to the Coachella Stage at 11:25 p.m., preceded by The Strokes at 9 p.m. and Giveon earlier in the evening. A notable addition for Weekend 2 is Kacey Musgraves, who steps into the Mojave Tent at 3 p.m. Saturday in the slot Jack White occupied during the first weekend. Other highlights include Addison Rae and a stacked dance lineup.

Karol G closes the festival Sunday on the Coachella Stage at 10:10 p.m., wrapping a weekend that also features Young Thug, Major Lazer, Wet Leg and more. The schedule offers a blend of returning favorites and slight shifts tailored to Weekend 2 crowds.

Electronic music remains a dominant force, accounting for nearly half the 2026 lineup. Quasar stage features high-energy sets including Armin van Buuren b2b Adam Beyer on Friday, DJ Snake’s Pardon My French on Saturday and Sara Landry’s Blood Oath on Sunday. Additional dance acts like Disclosure, Kaskade, Mochakk, Bedouin and WORSHIP fill tents and late-night slots, while Do LaB and Heineken House deliver specialized programming.

Rezz canceled her Saturday night set due to health concerns, organizers confirmed, prompting minor adjustments. Fans quickly turned to social media to share disappointment while rallying around other dance offerings.

Livestream options expand accessibility. YouTube streams multiple stages daily, including Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Mojave, Sahara, Sonora (or Yuma on some days), Gobi and more. Friday’s stream highlights include The xx, Teddy Swims, Disclosure, Moby, Turnstile and Sexyy Red. Saturday features The Strokes, Kacey Musgraves, PinkPantheress, Addison Rae and David Byrne. Sunday rounds out with Karol G and additional global acts.

The 2026 edition celebrates Coachella’s milestone with a diverse bill that spans pop phenoms like Carpenter — riding high on chart dominance — to veteran rockers The Strokes and international stars like Karol G and BIGBANG. Emerging acts such as KATSEYE, BINI, Ethel Cain, Blondshell and Slayyyter add fresh energy, while veterans including Iggy Pop, Moby, Interpol and David Byrne bring legacy appeal.

Attendees for Weekend 2 benefit from lessons learned in the first weekend, including improved traffic flow recommendations and weather preparedness. Temperatures are forecast in the mid-80s during the day with cooler evenings, typical for the Coachella Valley in April.

Festivalgoers can download the official Coachella app to build personalized schedules, receive real-time updates and navigate the sprawling grounds. Art installations, immersive activations and food vendors from acclaimed chefs complement the music, maintaining Coachella’s reputation as a cultural destination beyond concerts.

Ticket demand underscored the event’s enduring popularity. Both weekends sold out rapidly after the September 2025 lineup announcement, with resale prices reflecting high interest. Weekend 2 passes on the official resale platform have commanded premium rates as fans seek one last chance to experience the desert spectacle this year.

Behind the scenes, Goldenvoice continues refining operations for safety and sustainability. Past years saw enhancements in shuttle services, waste management and medical support, with similar measures in place for 2026.

For those unable to attend in person, the livestream schedule provides near-complete coverage, though some smaller stages or surprise sets may remain unstreamed. Past Coachella streams have drawn millions of viewers worldwide, turning the festival into a global event.

Social media buzz has centered on potential conflicts and must-see overlaps. Carpenter fans may need to choose between her polished pop set and nearby electronic or indie options. Bieber’s late-night slot creates a high-energy close to Saturday, while Sunday’s Karol G performance promises reggaeton and Latin anthems to send the crowd home energized.

Kacey Musgraves’ addition generated excitement among country and indie fans, marking her return to major festival stages after several years. Her Mojave set offers a mellow counterpoint to the day’s heavier hitters.

Electronic enthusiasts have particularly praised the Quasar and Do LaB programming. Anyma’s midnight set on Friday is widely viewed as a can’t-miss for those seeking cutting-edge production and sound design. DJ Snake’s collaborative b2b sets on Saturday add another layer of dance-floor excitement.

The festival’s 25th anniversary has prompted reflections on its evolution from a niche indie event to a mainstream juggernaut. Early Coachella lineups leaned heavily on rock and alternative acts; today’s bills balance heritage names with TikTok-driven breakout stars and global superstars.

Critics and fans alike note the strong female and international representation this year, with Carpenter, Karol G, Musgraves and others leading prominent slots. Acts like Wet Leg, PinkPantheress and Lykke Li further diversify the soundscape.

Practical tips for Weekend 2 mirror those for the first: arrive early to beat traffic, stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes and layer clothing for temperature swings. Phone chargers, portable fans and sunscreen remain essentials. The Coachella app includes maps, set reminders and crowd-sourced tips.

As gates opened Friday, early arrivals shared photos of colorful outfits, art pieces and the iconic Ferris wheel against the desert backdrop. Excitement built for Carpenter’s set, which many predict will feature high-production elements and hits from her recent albums.

Organizers have not announced major surprises for Weekend 2 beyond the confirmed additions and adjustments, but Coachella history suggests unannounced guests or special collaborations could still emerge.

With three days of music, art and desert vibes ahead, Weekend 2 offers a final opportunity in 2026 to experience one of the world’s most iconic festivals. Whether dancing under the stars to Anyma’s visuals, singing along with Bieber or soaking in Karol G’s closing energy, attendees and streamers alike are poised for memorable moments.

The 2026 edition has already generated buzz for its balanced programming and high-caliber performances. As the sun sets Friday over Indio, the desert once again transforms into a temporary utopia of sound and creativity.

For the latest updates, fans should check the official Coachella website, app and social channels, as minor set time tweaks can occur. With clear weather expected, conditions appear ideal for a spectacular close to this milestone year.