The Economic Times

A 13-year-old Ayush Singh transformed pandemic curiosity into a thriving AI business, reportedly earning Rs 1 crore monthly. He bypassed traditional education, mastering AI through self-learning and practical projects. His shift to teaching AI skills via premium cohorts and building AI automation solutions for businesses like SecondBrain Labs has garnered significant attention, proving that passion and hands-on experience can forge remarkable entrepreneurial success.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh on Friday emphasised the unwavering loyalty of party workers in the face of political pressure after TMC held a party meeting in North Kolkata with the central theme that the remaining TMC workers are not traitors and stand with former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Following allegations of a donation scam at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is overhauling its financial systems with the help of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). ICAI aims to implement a new, modern accounting and audit framework within 100 days, using an ERP platform. This initiative is seen as a model for other religious and philanthropic organizations nationwide to enhance transparency and prevent financial leakages.

A father's grief over the loss of his daughter sparked a remarkable movement in a village in Rajasthan. Today, Piplantri celebrates the birth of every girl by planting 111 trees, promoting environmental conservation while challenging deep-rooted gender bias. The initiative has transformed the once-barren landscape, improved the lives of countless families, and earned global recognition for its simple yet powerful message of celebrating both daughters and nature.

Tension at the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border eased as a group of Nihangs, who had pushed through barricades en route to Hemkund Sahib, agreed to return to Paonta Sahib after negotiations. The group, protesting the arrest of four Nihangs in a Karnaprayag market dispute, called off their planned march. Authorities facilitated their safe passage, resolving the standoff amicably.

Over the last 10 years, microcaps delivered the highest returns, outperforming midcaps, small caps, and large caps. Here is a detailed breakup, as reported by ET Wealth.

An 1873 encounter with a British officer in a palanquin ignited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's patriotic fervor, leading to the creation of Vande Mataram. This powerful Sanskrit phrase, meaning I bow to thee, Mother, became a rallying cry for India's freedom fighters. Featured in his novel Anandamath, the song's stirring verses inspired generations, ultimately earning it the status of India's national song.

Affluent investors are increasingly turning to newly launched hybrid specialised investment funds (SIFs) for their tax efficiency and better returns than traditional fixed-income options. These funds, blending debt, equity, and derivatives, have attracted significant assets, with hybrid strategies dominating. Their appeal lies in equity taxation benefits and lower volatility, offering attractive post-tax returns for wealthy individuals and family offices.

Neymar made a comeback for Brazil after a long layoff, playing 20 minutes in their 3-0 World Cup win over Scotland. While his star has dimmed, he remains a key figure. Vinicius Junior, however, stole the show with two goals, showcasing Brazil's evolving attacking prowess. Coach Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar is seen as adding depth rather than relying on him as the sole star.

GTA 6 leaked gameplay: Excitement is soaring for GTA 6 as new reports unveil gameplay possibilities like fishing and car customization, alongside pre-order details. Rockstar's ambitious open world, set in a modern, expanded Vice City within Leonida, promises dual protagonists Lucia and Jason in a Bonnie-and-Clyde inspired narrative. While a full gameplay trailer is eagerly awaited, these hints suggest a more dynamic and interactive experience than ever before.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Without experiencing setbacks, one cannot gain knowledge. The saying reflects the idea that wisdom and understanding are often gained through challenges, mistakes, and difficult experiences rather than through success alone. It suggests that setbacks play an important role in personal growth by teaching valuable lessons that cannot always be learned from comfort or achievement.

Five small-cap mutual funds delivered over 25% annualised returns in the last three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap Fund and ITI Small Cap Fund. Passive index funds and Invesco India Smallcap also performed strongly, while several large schemes lagged with mid-teen returns. Investors are advised to focus on the risk profile.

A WhiteOak Capital study highlights the benefits of a multi-asset strategy, showing that combining equity, debt and gold can improve risk-adjusted returns. The analysis suggests that adding gold reduces portfolio volatility due to its negative correlation with equities, supporting better diversification across market cycles.

Uttar Pradesh BJP has unveiled a restructured state unit, appointing 19 vice-presidents and eight general secretaries for the 2027 Assembly elections. Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's son, Neeraj Singh, is among the new vice-presidents. The reshuffling aims for balanced representation across social sections and communities, including women leaders, to strengthen the party's base.

A Google employee's journey from the US to India and back has ignited a viral debate on career choices and migration. Madhur Chadha's decision to return to America after 13 years in India, despite opportunities abroad, highlights the complex, personal nature of such decisions. The discussion explores whether skilled Indians should seek opportunities overseas or contribute to India's growing ecosystem, with users weighing factors like infrastructure, governance, and personal priorities.

Get ready for a universe-altering adventure! After seven years, The Big Bang Theory universe is back with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. The new series sees our favourite comic book store owner, Stuart, accidentally unleash a multiverse catastrophe. He'll embark on a wild journey through bizarre alternate realities, encountering familiar faces in unexpected roles. Read on to know more about it.

Edelweiss Large Cap Fund has achieved a remarkable decade of positive returns, never dipping into negative territory. This consistency is attributed to its FACTOR investment strategy, emphasizing active risk management and a quality-focused stock selection process. While it has underperformed benchmarks in shorter periods, its long-term performance and strategic sector allocations, particularly in financial services and healthcare, highlight its resilience.

Pune businessman Ketan Agarwal's death at Lohagad Fort, initially deemed an accident, is now under suspicion of foul play. Police are investigating his fiance, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary. CCTV footage revealed a suspicious hooded figure, identified as Chaudhary, following the couple. Siya reportedly had reservations about the marriage and had encouraged multiple visits to the fort, where a prior attempt on Ketan's life is alleged.

A Southern California events producer, Lauren Tetef, transformed a layoff into an opportunity, investing her savings to launch the Open House Creative Fest. This vibrant two-day event, held in a former craft store, celebrates local artisans and hands-on creativity. With free entry to the market and paid workshops, the festival aims to foster community connection and inspire attendees to create.

Indian companies are back in the double-digit growth lane! The Reserve Bank of India reports that listed private non-financial firms saw sales jump 10.1% in FY26, a significant rebound. Manufacturing led the charge with 10.8% growth, driven by autos and food, while services also posted strong gains. However, input costs are rising for manufacturers.

Chaos erupted in a Texas community after an 18-wheeler flipped, releasing around 24 million honeybees and resulting in a neighbourhood lockdown. Teams of emergency workers and beekeepers are currently engaged in efforts to handle the massive influx of bees while officials advise locals to stay inside. The incident underscores critical concerns regarding the transportation of live beehives, as it threatens the survival of many bee colonies.

Despite high ticket prices and travel restrictions, the World Cup is witnessing record attendance in the US, driven by a love for grand spectacles rather than soccer's popularity. Experts highlight the appeal of major global events and the allure of top-tier sporting experiences, suggesting Americans are willing to splurge on such occasions. This success could bode well for future large-scale events hosted in the country.

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to shine in FIFA World Cup 2026 and for Inter Miami. He's now the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals and has amassed over 900 career goals. Messi's career, marked by numerous accolades including eight Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup triumph, showcases remarkable longevity and consistent brilliance on the global stage.

A Hoshiarpur consumer commission has ordered a builder and housing society to refund Rs 5.25 lakh with interest to a software engineer. The 'Krisha Heights' project, launched in 2015 with possession promised within four years, failed to progress beyond planning. The commission deemed this an unfair trade practice, stating developers cannot collect funds without approvals and then cite regulatory delays.

Italian Proverb of the Day: Bridging the gap between intentions and achievements is a universal challenge, as highlighted by the Italian proverb, 'Between saying and doing, theres an ocean.' This vast distance signifies the effort, discipline, and persistence required to transform plans into reality. Overcoming fear, procrastination, and self-doubt through consistent, small actions is key to turning words into tangible results and achieving success.

A 23-year-old woman is grappling with severe anxiety and panic attacks after landing her dream job in Bengaluru, despite a high salary and positive work environment. Relocating from her hometown, she finds herself overwhelmed and questioning her ability to cope, even considering quitting. She seeks advice from an online community on navigating this unexpected emotional turmoil during her career transition.

Understanding mutual fund performance goes beyond just returns. A benchmark, like Nifty 50 or Sensex, acts as a crucial yardstick to gauge a fund's success. Investors should look for funds consistently outperforming their benchmark, even by a small margin, over extended periods and across market cycles. This comparison is vital for making informed investment decisions.

Bangladesh Prime Minister's adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, was allowed into India after immigration officials verified his visit's purpose. Despite being cleared, he opted to return to Dhaka voluntarily. This follows Bangladesh lodging a protest after Rahman was initially stopped at Delhi airport due to his name appearing on a security blacklist. The MEA confirmed he was permitted entry but chose his own departure.

Voicemails for Isabelle: A new Netflix film, Voicemails for Isabelle, is captivating audiences with its profound emotional depth, moving beyond typical rom-com tropes. The movie explores love, loss, and unspoken feelings through intimate voicemails, resonating deeply with viewers who describe it as an unexpected emotional journey. Director Leah's personal vision emphasizes subtlety, allowing silence and recorded messages to convey powerful sentiments, making it a standout in today's streaming co

A former banker, Amith Kishan, transformed his life by establishing Hebbevu Farms in Andhra Pradesh, a 650-acre natural farming enterprise. Shunning chemicals and tractors, the farm thrives on indigenous practices, powered by 700 cows and bulls. This initiative not only produces diverse crops and dairy but also provides employment to over 3,000 rural women, fostering a sustainable ecosystem and a quiet economic revolution.

A Bangladeshi Prime Minister's advisor, Zahed Ur Rahman, was briefly held at Delhi airport due to a security blacklist but was allowed entry after confirming his attendance at an Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting. Despite being permitted, he voluntarily returned to Dhaka. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the incident and Rahman's subsequent departure.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is making a remarkable comeback to singles at Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus. Despite her age and lack of recent singles matches, experts believe her confidence and unparalleled experience make her a formidable presence. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Jannik Sinner is the favorite, with Novak Djokovic posing a significant challenge.

Excitement builds as the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, with tickets ranging from Rs 499 to Rs 5,500. BookMyShow is the official ticketing partner, with sales commencing Monday. Fans can grab early bird deals and enjoy a 15% discount on select seats. India's top shuttlers, including PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, will compete at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17-23.

Passive largecap funds led three-year performance, with BHARAT 22 and Nifty Next 50 ETFs delivering 18.9%22.1% annualised returns, while several Sensex and Shariah index funds posted modest gains.

A Pune man's tragic fall from Lohagad Fort has been revealed as a meticulously planned murder. Police have arrested his fiance, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, accusing them of pushing the groom-to-be, Ketan Agrawal, into a deep gorge. Initially ruled an accident, the investigation uncovered a secret affair and a motive to eliminate Agrawal, who was set to marry Goyal later this year amidst grand wedding preparations.

Ankur Warikoo revealed facing 17 rejections, including from Google at age 29, for a product role due to lacking an engineering degree. This setback, however, spurred him to launch his first startup. He keeps the rejection email as a reminder to persevere through challenges, a sentiment that resonated with many online who shared similar experiences with career hurdles and the evolving job market.

In a blockbuster IPL trade, Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals after being acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record INR 27 crore at the auction. He will now play for DC at INR 15 crore. Meanwhile, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav moves to LSG from DC for his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore, bringing his impressive wicket-taking prowess to his new team.

Late industrialist T. T. Jagannathan, the visionary behind the Gasket Release System that revolutionized pressure cooker safety, will be honored with a posthumous Padma Award. His groundbreaking innovation, freely shared with the industry, enhanced safety for millions. Jagannathan also transformed TT Limited into a billion-dollar enterprise, earning him the title 'Kitchen Mogul' for making TTK products a household name.

A 10% annual SIP step-up could boost a Rs 26,000 monthly investment towards Rs 1 crore in a decade, according to an expert. The analysis highlights portfolio overlap and suggests reallocating from large-cap and mid-cap funds to small-cap ones. Investors are advised to exit thematic and hybrid funds for better diversification and long-term wealth creation.

Best proverb of the day reminds us that problems become easier to manage when they are handled early and with a calm mind. This Chinese proverb teaches proactive problem-solving, emotional regulation, strategic thinking and prevention. It explains how breaking large challenges into smaller tasks helps people reduce stress, avoid future difficulties and build practical solutions in everyday life, work and relationships.

Life lesson of the day by John Locke: Philosopher John Locke reminds us that mere reading isn't enough for true knowledge. He emphasizes that actively thinking about and connecting information to personal experiences is crucial for understanding.

Aman Sharma, a 23-year-old Delhi resident, has transformed his 15,000 sq ft terrace into a thriving urban forest, a testament to his passion for wildlife and conservation. This green haven now hosts over 100 bird species and 25 butterfly varieties, showcasing the impact of one young individual's dedication to environmental change. His initiative highlights how simple actions can foster biodiversity in metropolitan areas.

Keir Starmer's Labour government, which secured a landslide victory, prioritized strengthening ties with India, culminating in the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) set to take effect on July 15. This landmark deal aims to significantly boost bilateral trade. Starmer's premiership also focused on rebuilding public confidence and repairing relations with the British Indian community, promising a ew strategic partnership with India.