Stock market today: Nifty50 above 25,000; BSE Sensex rises over 500 points

US stocks got a nice boost after President Trump hinted at promising developments in trade talks with the EU. Investors were already feeling optimistic thanks to a surprisingly strong consumer confidence report, which added fuel to the rally.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions have been a major headache for markets lately, so any sign of progress—even if it's just hopeful talk—can send stocks climbing. The strong consumer confidence data is another good sign, suggesting people are feeling better about spending, which keeps the economy humming. For now, Wall Street’s in a good mood, but traders will be watching to see if these trade talks actually deliver.

In a surprising shift, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, breaking with long-standing public health guidance. This move scraps what had been a routine part of immunization schedules since the pandemic began.

Editor’s Note: This decision marks a major reversal in pandemic policy—one that could ripple through schools, doctor's offices, and family decisions. Parents and healthcare providers are left grappling with mixed messaging after years of emphasis on vaccine protection for vulnerable groups. The abrupt change raises questions about the evidence behind it and whether politics played a role. Either way, it’s bound to fuel more debates about vaccines at a time when trust in health institutions is already shaky.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is letting state regulators know it won’t support certain types of workplace discrimination claims—specifically those involving "reverse discrimination" cases where majority groups (like white or male employees) allege bias. Essentially, the agency is signaling it’ll prioritize claims from historically marginalized groups, a move that’s likely to stir debate about fairness and enforcement priorities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic fine print—it’s a policy shift with real stakes. By narrowing its focus, the EEOC is making a statement about where it believes systemic discrimination still exists. But critics might argue it leaves some employees without federal backing, potentially complicating how states handle these cases. For workers and employers, it’s a heads-up: the rules of the game are being clarified, and not everyone will agree on the call.

Developing countries—especially the world’s 75 poorest nations—are bracing for a massive wave of debt repayments to China this year, according to a new report. The Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, warns that China has shifted from being a top lender to these nations to now aggressively collecting on those loans. With new lending slowing down and old loans coming due, struggling economies could face even tighter financial squeezes. Meanwhile, in unrelated news, French taxi drivers are still on strike, holding out as unions negotiate with the government.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about balance sheets—it’s about real-world consequences. If cash-strapped nations are forced to prioritize debt payments to China over things like healthcare or infrastructure, it could deepen poverty and instability in already vulnerable regions. And with China tightening the purse strings, these countries have fewer lifelines to turn to. It’s a stark reminder of how global lending shifts can ripple through economies, leaving the poorest to bear the brunt.

Top executives in France's cryptocurrency industry are ramping up personal security measures following a string of violent kidnappings targeting high-profile figures in the sector. The incidents, which often involve ransom demands paid in crypto, have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting some to hire bodyguards or relocate families.

Editor’s Note: Crypto wealth has made industry leaders targets, and these kidnappings highlight the darker side of digital asset adoption—real-world violence tied to virtual money. It’s a wake-up call for both security practices and the broader risks of high-profile crypto involvement.