The Economic Times

Excavations in the picturesque Karbi Anglong district of Assam have revealed remarkable ancient stone sculptures and inscriptions, nestled by two ancient ponds in Sarthe Rongphar village. Dating potentially to the 10th-12th centuries, these finds resonate with local tales of the Mahabharata. The local administration is committed to safeguarding these extraordinary discoveries for posterity, underscoring the region's rich artistic and religious heritage.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone in Ahvaz. This incident occurred amid escalating regional hostilities and retaliatory strikes by US Central Command. American forces conducted strikes targeting Iranian military facilities and capabilities in the region. These actions were a response to attacks on US personnel in Jordan.

Over Rs 262 crore was spent on Rajya Sabha MPs' expenses in two financial years. Allowances and travel alone accounted for more than Rs 151 crore of this total. The state exchequer's spending rose significantly from over Rs 98 crore to Rs 163 crore. This expenditure covered salaries, medical bills, and office expenses for the members. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat provided these details in an RTI reply.

Himachal Pradesh is on high alert following a red alert for heavy rainfall. Very heavy to extremely heavy rains are predicted for several districts on Monday and Tuesday. Flash floods have already blocked a road in Kinnaur district, causing damage. Authorities have activated emergency centers and prepared response teams for potential disasters. The public is advised to avoid travel and stay away from vulnerable areas.

Accenture is now splitting salary increases equally between base pay and lump-sum payments. This approach aims to reward more employees while managing payroll costs effectively. Talent leads will determine the overall percentage increase for eligible staff members. Promotions will continue to receive increases solely through base pay adjustments.

New research suggests strength training offers significant health benefits. Just 90 to 120 minutes weekly lowers death risk from all causes. This exercise also reduces the likelihood of dying from heart disease. Neurological conditions like dementia also show a decreased risk. Combining strength and aerobic workouts provides the greatest health gains.

Dr Reddy's Foundation is expanding its soil testing operations significantly. The Hyderabad lab aims to process one lakh samples before the next Rabi season. This initiative addresses concerns about depleting soil health and government scheme implementation gaps. The foundation also partners with a startup for biological soil amendments. Collaboration with ICAR-IISS will build a digital soil health repository and advanced advisories.

Facebook experienced a significant outage on Sunday, impacting users worldwide. Many users could not log in or access essential platform features. Some encountered temporary account unavailability messages, causing frustration. The disruption affected multiple countries, including India and the United Kingdom. Mobile access remained functional for some users during the widespread issue.

An employee says their company's rollout of Claude AI left them questioning the technology's workplace hype after the chatbot allegedly failed a basic Microsoft Project support query. The post has sparked a heated debate over whether today's AI is truly ready to replace human workers or remains a productivity tool that still needs human oversight.

A 95-year-old grandfather based in Toronto, known as Nonno, is inspiring many people online. He demonstrates a simple daily exercise routine using a resistance band. This consistent movement routine helps him stay active and strong. His granddaughter shared the video, which has gone viral across social media platforms. The clip serves as a reminder that consistent movement matters at any age.

Madhya Pradesh's cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code draft bill for assembly presentation. This bill aims to apply to all societal sections except tribal communities. The marriageable age is set at twenty-one for men and eighteen for women. Mandatory marriage registration is a key provision within the new civil code. A committee had previously recommended excluding Scheduled Tribes from its purview.

ENG vs IND Playing 11: The India versus England ODI series stands level at one win each. All eyes are now on the decisive third match scheduled for today. India seeks to rebound after a recent T20 series loss to England. England enters this crucial encounter with considerable confidence after their last victory. The teams will compete at the iconic Lord's ground for series supremacy.

A new study suggests smelling dark chocolate boosts gym repetitions significantly. Participants completed more exercises without feeling increased exertion after sniffing the aroma. Dark chocolate's scent also reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. Milk chocolate aroma made workouts feel more enjoyable for the participants. These findings highlight smell's powerful influence on appetite and physical performance.

Chinas Jingye Group has demanded compensation from the UK after British Steel was nationalised, warning it may pursue international arbitration over investment losses. Beijing said the dispute could affect Chinese investor confidence in the UK.

The Kerala General Education Department has declared a holiday for all government schools on Monday to allow students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. The decision came after requests from football-loving students and follows appeals from political leaders, including former Education Minister V Sivankutty.

Spain and Argentina will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. This championship match is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium. Indian viewers can watch the exciting final early Monday morning, July 20. Spain aims for their second title, while Argentina seeks a fourth World Cup victory. Fans can stream the match live on ZEE5 and watch on Unite8 Sports channels.

Afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade saw a steep decline to USD 367 million. This drop occurred from USD 5 billion before the Taliban's return in 2021. Kabul increasingly relied on Iranian routes, reducing dependence on Pakistani ports. Pakistan's border closure in October 2025 impacted trade further. This diversion caused economic costs and reduced employment opportunities.

A Japanese proverb highlights the strength of those working behind the scenes. These individuals provide crucial support without expecting any public recognition. Their quiet dedication makes significant contributions to various aspects of life. Success in teams and families often relies on these unsung contributors. True strength lies in supporting others without seeking personal reward.

Lionel Messi faces a chance to cement his legacy in the World Cup final. He previously retired from international football after a painful loss at MetLife Stadium. Messi had achieved significant club success but lacked major international trophies. Argentina suffered several final defeats and quarter-final exits during his career. This upcoming final offers a potential redemption for the Argentine captain.

Best German Proverb of the Day: The German proverb Patience is a bitter plant, but it bears sweet fruit highlights enduring success. This saying emphasizes that worthwhile achievements require perseverance and self-control. Modern life often rewards speed, yet many goals demand sustained effort over time. The proverb teaches active patience, encouraging steady work towards positive results. This wisdom remains relevant for those pursuing long-term goals despite difficulties.

Argentina and Spain will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Defending champions Argentina aim to retain their title against Spain. Spain seeks their second World Cup victory after winning in 2010. This match likely marks Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance. Unai Simon has set a new clean sheet record for the tournament.

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court seeking trust reconstitution. They want the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust declared a public trust. This application follows allegations of embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple. The Akhara seeks oversight and adherence to Ramanandi customs. The apex court will hear related pleas on July twentieth.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prize Money: Argentina and Spain compete today in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match. The tournament offers a record prize pool of $655 million for participating teams. Defending champions Argentina seek their fourth World Cup title against Spain. Spain reached the final after defeating France in their semi-final game. Fans in India can watch the match live on ZEE5 and Unite8 Sports.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Top Scorers List: The Golden Boot race has a blockbuster finish lined up: Kylian Mbapp leads the FIFA World Cup 2026 scoring charts with 10 goals and a new record, but Lionel Messi still has one final chance to catch him.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina has reached seven FIFA World Cup finals, securing three championship titles. They won their first title in 1978 and their third in 2022. The team also finished as runners-up in three previous tournaments. Argentina's first final appearance was in the inaugural 1930 competition. They will contest their seventh final in 2026 against Spain.

2026 FIFA World Cup Final 2026: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is rewriting history with its expanded format and unprecedented scale. This tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches across three host nations. Argentina will face Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The competition introduces the first-ever halftime show, enhancing its entertainment value. This edition marks a significant transformation in international football's global reach.

President Droupadi Murmu departed on a three-nation visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania to boost bilateral trade, technology, and cultural ties. This maiden high-level visit strengthens India's Eastern European ties, with all three nations reaffirming solidarity with India against global terrorism.

Sakshi Jha's performance on India's Got Latent generated significant conversation and debate. Her jokes about men and self-proclaimed man-hater persona received zero scores from judges. The audience also echoed the judges' sentiment, rating her act very poorly. Unverified reports suggest Jha may face suspension from her teaching position. Social media remains divided over the appropriateness of her comedic material.

Last FIFA World Cup trophy: As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final begins, fans are revisiting the unforgettable 2022 title clash between Argentina and France. Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout, while Kylian Mbappe's historic hat-trick helped produce one of the greatest and most thrilling finals in football history.

How Argentina Won the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Argentina secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup title after a thrilling final match. Lionel Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning the coveted trophy. The game featured a dramatic comeback and a tense penalty shootout victory. Emiliano Martinez made a historic save which preserved Argentina's advantage. This triumph marked a significant moment in football history for the nation.

Garment units in Tirupur are working overtime to meet demand for fan T-shirts. Customised T-shirts feature actor-politician C Joseph Vijay and movie branding. Over 700 knitwear units are involved in this T-shirt production rush. Orders are pouring in from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The film 'Jana Nayagan' is set for a grand theatrical release on July 23.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal face off in a generational football comparison. Messi boasts over 800 career goals and consistent elite performance for years. Yamal, a young prodigy, shows remarkable achievements and potential for greatness. Messi has a stellar FIFA World Cup record, while Yamal scored one goal. This contest highlights football's ability to produce diverse and awe-inspiring talents.

During a routine patrol, Dispur Police apprehended two art students who were painting a portrait on a flyover pillar. The students, who insisted their work was independent and not organized, were released after a stern warning. This incident highlights the Assam government's recent ban on unauthorized artwork on public structures.

Queen Elizabeth I's words highlight leadership's unseen pressures and sacrifices. She ruled England and Ireland for nearly forty-five years, facing many challenges. Her reign saw political stability and significant cultural achievements during the Elizabethan Age. Elizabeth's decision to remain unmarried symbolized her devotion to her kingdom. This perspective offers timeless lessons for all leadership roles today.

In Chhatarpur, a 15-day demonstration against the Ken-Betwa Link Project came to a close on Sunday, as police intervened to disperse the protest and send villagers back to their residences. Protesters contended that their leader was taken into custody, while police disagreed with this claim. The protest emphasized concerns over project mismanagement and its environmental impact, even as officials highlighted its importance for local development.

From a frail boy in Rosario fighting a growth disorder to the man who conquered football's greatest stage, Lionel Messi's story is one of genius, heartbreak, redemption and immortality. As Argentina prepares for another World Cup final, the greatest player of his generation stands one match away from adding another unforgettable chapter to a legacy that has already transcended the sport.

Sonam Wangchuk's wife said she has lost faith in the government hospital. She moved the Delhi High Court seeking transfer to a private facility. Discrepancies were alleged in the hospital's assessment of his health. She claimed police presence restricted their movement, calling it illegal detention. The family seeks an urgent hearing to allow his transfer before his health worsens.

FIFA World Cup 2026 records so far: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen numerous records shattered across its expanded format. Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer and assist provider in men's World Cup history. Spain's Unai Simon set a new record for consecutive clean sheet minutes in goal. Germany achieved the tournament's biggest win margin, while Paraguay scored the fastest goal. This edition has rewritten football's record books with its 104 matches.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains stable in hospital after his hunger strike. He requires constant medical supervision due to his prolonged fasting. Delhi Police moved him to Safdarjung Hospital for essential medical care. Doctors are monitoring his vital and blood parameters closely.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged citizens to join the July 20 Parliament march. He described the event as India's second freedom movement from injustice. Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital amid a protest for exam reform. Police cited health concerns and court orders for his hospitalisation. Organisers confirmed the Chalo Sansad march will proceed as planned.

Incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to continue strong India-UK ties, with his govt building upon the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement's recent entry into force. Experts see a deepening of bilateral defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Mahindra will showcase multiple new products and mobility solutions during its Independence Day event. The 2026 Scorpio N facelift is expected to debut with subtle exterior and interior updates. A production-ready Vision S sub-4 metre SUV will also be unveiled on August 15. The BE 07 electric SUV will appear in a near-production avatar based on the INGLO platform.

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah met stakeholders for Kaziranga's upcoming tourism season. He requested written suggestions for conservation and visitor facility improvements. The department will work with stakeholders to identify priority interventions for development. Balancing development and ecological integrity remains a key government commitment.

An Italian proverb advises careful sharing of valuable insights and advantages. The saying Don't Let the Farmer Know How Good Cheese Is with Pears highlights this wisdom. It suggests that revealing full value can lead to scarcity and increased costs. This ancient culinary wisdom remains relevant for modern business and personal decisions. Protecting opportunities until the opportune moment fosters greater success and achievement.

Russian strikes wounded several in Ukraine's capital after Kyiv launched deadly drone attacks. These bombardments highlight Ukraine's dual challenge of facing daily Russian attacks and domestic political instability. Ukrainian drones struck e-commerce warehouses in Russia, killing eight people and causing major fires. Meanwhile, thousands gathered for a third day protesting the removal of a popular defence minister. The ongoing conflict continues to impact civilian lives and create internal poli