The Economic Times

Mosquitoes are attracted to a unique blend of human body odors. This personal scent is determined by skin bacteria and sweat composition. Body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide also signal a potential meal. Alcohol consumption and darker clothing can increase mosquito bites. Understanding these factors helps in developing better mosquito repellents.

Psychology suggests that adults who spend money on things they always wanted as children aren't acting out of their age. Sometimes the greatest gift isn't the object itself. It's finally giving your younger self the opportunity they never had.

Best German Proverb of the Day: Everyone is the smith of their own fortune highlights the importance of personal responsibility. Derived from the German saying Jeder ist seines Glckes Schmied, the proverb teaches that success is shaped by determination, hard work and the choices people make, encouraging individuals to take charge of their future instead of relying on luck.

Delhi SIR form guide: Delhi's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is underway, with over one crore enumeration forms distributed across the capital. Residents have until 29 July to submit their forms to designated Booth Level Officers. Those whose names do not appear in the 2002 electoral rolls can still complete the process by linking their entry through a parent or grandparent.

New research suggests Australia's brown huntsman spider is the fastest ever recorded. This species reached speeds of 3.59 meters per second in a recent study. Medium-sized spiders appear to achieve optimal speed through body weight and leg length. Spiders extend legs using hydraulic pressure, which aids rapid bursts of movement. Scientists are cautious about definitive claims, as more species await study.

South Africa is preparing a large-scale operation to eliminate mice on Marion Island. Helicopters will drop 550 tons of poison bait across the island's landmass. This effort aims to protect vital seabird breeding grounds from rodent predation. A trial operation is scheduled for April and May 2027. The eradication is considered essential for the island's unique biodiversity.

Atelier Expressions will acquire a majority stake in Khoya, the handcrafted mithai brand. This significant transaction is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Khoya's founder, Sid Mathur, will continue leading operations and execution for the business. The partnership aims to scale Khoya's presence across India and explore new collaborations. This move signifies Atelier Expressions' interest in contemporary Indian culinary traditions.

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes Shreyas Iyer must assert his captaincy in international cricket. He noted tactical decisions in recent matches did not reflect IPL acumen. Karim suggested changes to the playing XI, favoring Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge. He attributed India's defeats to an inability to adjust to English conditions. The team needs to adapt to different pitches and opposition bowling plans.

Technology's integration into World Cup refereeing has ignited significant controversy and debate. VAR interventions have led to numerous disputes and accusations of unfairness. Coaches and players express frustration over inconsistent application and perceived over-reach. FIFA officials defend the technology's role in correcting clear errors. Fans voice their displeasure through boos, indicating growing dissatisfaction with the system.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan urged IISc graduates to contribute to India's developed nation status. He emphasized lifelong learning and the opportunities available to today's graduates. India has made significant progress since independence, becoming a major global economy. The nation aims to establish its own space station by 2035 and land on the Moon by 2040.

Congress demands a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation into alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement. Senior leader Supriya Shrinate called the Uttar Pradesh government's SIT probe an eyewash. She stated the misappropriation is an attack on Hindu faith and beliefs. The Congress leaders also demanded the dissolution of the temple Trust. The RSS chief agreed that the alleged theft deeply hurt societal sentiments.

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has directed officers to prioritize combat readiness for future operations. He emphasized comprehensive mission readiness including logistics and human resources. Officers must conduct regular spot reviews to validate preparedness for upcoming challenges. The Army must adapt to evolving warfare driven by technology and new domains. This focus supports India's long-term national objectives and Viksit Bharat vision.

Atelier Expressions will acquire a majority stake in Khoya. This luxury handcrafted mithai brand was founded by Sid Mathur in 2016. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Mathur will continue to lead Khoya's operations and team. This partnership aims to expand Khoya's reach across India.

The Education Ministry has ordered a probe into NCERT's decision to blacklist a paper supplier. NCERT blacklisted Bafna Global Venture Private Limited for two years on June 22. The firm moved the Delhi High Court, which granted it impunity from coercive action. The court also restrained NCERT from invoking the firm's bank guarantee of over Rs 6 crore. The minister directed strict action against officials responsible for this administrative lapse.

Elite footballers are playing longer due to scientific and medical advancements. Players in their mid-thirties and older are now common in major tournaments. Improved training and recovery methods help athletes maintain peak physical condition. Lucrative contracts and sponsorships also incentivize extended careers for these stars. This trend allows athletes to perform at high levels well into their late thirties.

Japan's wholesale inflation surged at its fastest pace in over three years. This acceleration was driven by rising fuel and metal prices, and a weak yen. The Bank of Japan warned of potential higher consumer inflation later this year. Government officials assured markets that monetary policy decisions remain with the central bank. These factors will influence the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy meeting.

China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft has reached Kamo'oalewa, a temporary quasi-moon of Earth. The mission faces challenges due to the asteroid's small size and fragile structure. Sample collection will be significantly more difficult than initially anticipated by scientists. Successful sample return would make China the third nation to achieve this feat. The mission aims to provide insights into the early Solar System and asteroid origins.

Rishabh Agrawal, an IIT Bombay alumnus, has clarified reports about his departure from Meta. He stated the offer was higher than reported, but he chose to build his own venture. After seven years at Google and Meta, Agrawal felt the pull to take a different risk. He is now fully committed to his AI startup, aligning with his long-term goals.

Chinese scientists have identified an active fault line beneath the Yarlung Tsangpo dam construction zone. This geological finding raises significant concerns for India regarding water security and ecological damage. The dam, intended as the world's largest hydropower project, faces potential structural instability issues. India has long sought greater transparency and consultation from Beijing on this vital river. The new scientific evidence strengthens India's position for increased data shari

Monsoon is great for the weather but terrible for insects. Mosquitoes, flies, and moths find their way indoors the moment the rains arrive. These seven plants won't replace a net or repellent entirely, but they do help, and science backs most of them up.

Actor Rajpal Yadav faces three months in jail following a Delhi High Court ruling. He was ordered to pay over one crore rupees in seven cheque bounce cases. The court reopened the matter after the actor cited significant film production losses. Yadav stated his case involves Rs 17 crore in incurred losses, not just Rs 5 crore. He explained a person invested more after seeing seventy percent of his film.

Most fitness plans fail because they depend on private motivation. Running is taking hold for a different reason. It turns fitness into a calendar, a community and a story people want to keep living.

In an assertive stance, the Congress party has condemned the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, calling it a disturbing constitutional infringement by the central government. This bill is criticized for transferring grant distribution authority from education professionals to politicians, potentially undermining the operational freedom of elite institutes like IITs and IIMs. The party is calling on states to voice their dissent against this initiative.

Afghanistan's Agriculture Minister sought Indian technical help for modernization. He highlighted centuries-old ties and deep cultural parallels between both nations. Eighty percent of Afghanistan's population relies on agriculture and livestock farming. India offered cooperation in seeds, research, and crop productivity enhancement. This collaboration aims to strengthen Afghanistan's agricultural sector and regional stability.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay spoke about the Karur stampede tragedy. He stated the incident remains a deep wound in his political journey. Vijay alleged police failed to manage the crowd adequately during the event. He also accused the previous DMK government of shifting blame onto him. A memorial will be built in Karur to remember the victims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war is not over yet with Iran following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire. Netanyahu emphasised that Israel is preparing for all scenarios to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while military leaders affirmed readiness for major upcoming operations.

England Women vs India Women Live Streaming: England and India women commence a one-off Test match today at Lord's. Key players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will lead their teams. The pitch is expected to offer early assistance to pacers and later to spinners. Cricket-friendly weather with warm conditions and sunshine is forecast for the match. Fans in India can watch the game live on Sony LIV and Sony Sports.

An Air Canada flight veered off the runway after landing at Montreal International Airport. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft carried 156 passengers and six crew members onboard. No injuries were reported following the incident which occurred on Thursday afternoon. The runway closure caused operational delays at the busy Montreal airport.

In a bid to salvage pride, India gears up for the final test against England in Southampton, hopeful to avoid a 4-0 series sweep. Captain Shreyas Iyer seeks his first victory amidst a challenging phase marked by inconsistent batting and difficulty facing pace bowling. The pressure mounts as England's players have shown their prowess, demanding an improved effort from the Indian lineup.

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans a return from India. She intends to surrender to Bangladeshi authorities around December. Hasina faces a death sentence and her party is currently banned. She believes her return will test the nation's justice system. Hasina seeks to prove the court proceedings are farcical.

A Himachal Pradesh consumer commission has ordered Reliance Retail to refund the purchase price and pay Rs 20,000 in compensation and litigation costs after a customer's daughter fell ill following consumption of Korean instant noodles that had expired three months before they were sold. The commission rejected Reliance's argument that customers should check expiry dates themselves.

BSNL has launched a satellite phone in India for Rs 1,34,166. This device offers direct satellite connectivity for voice and SMS services. It is designed for professionals in remote and emergency situations. The high cost reflects specialized technology and smaller production volumes. Users must obtain government approval and subscribe to costly satellite plans.

Three former Thai sailors filed a lawsuit against their shipping operator for labor rights violations. They allege unfair dismissal and inadequate compensation after their ship was attacked. The crew members are seeking over one million baht each in damages. The attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. This incident highlights the human cost of ongoing regional conflicts for seafarers.

The BJP nominated three former TMC MPs for Rajya Sabha bypolls after their induction. These nominations signal the ruling party's focus on consolidating its position in state politics. The BJP comfortably crosses the required MLA support mark to win all three seats. This move reinforces the BJP's confidence in showcasing legislative dominance and attracting opposition leaders.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath announced renaming of Khiloni-Suchitaganj nagar panchayat to Maa Jwala Ji Nagar Panchayat. The municipal town of Bhadarsa will henceforth be known as Bharat Nagar, honoring Lord Ram's brother. This renaming reflects the cultural legacy and devotion of Bharat. The chief minister also mentioned recent conduct of Samajwadi Party representatives in Bhadarsa. Previously, other local areas and tehsils have also been renamed.

Bayer secured three billion euros in equity from Apollo-managed funds. This deal involves its long-acting reversible contraceptives business. Apollo funds will take a minority stake while Bayer retains control. The financing strengthens Bayer's capital structure and financial flexibility. This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

One more body was recovered from the Wayanad landslide site on Friday. This recovery brings the total number of persons killed in the disaster to seven. Search operations continued on the fourth day since the Anakkompoyil Meppadi tunnel project landslide. Teams used heavy earthmovers to clear mud and locate missing individuals. Officials are still working to identify the recovered body and find the last missing person.

Volkswagen management showed little progress from stakeholder talks on Thursday. The company repeated known targets for streamlining operations and investment. Analysts noted a lack of agreement on job cuts and plant closures. Volkswagen faces high costs and rising competition from China. The German auto giant is under pressure to restructure its business model.

Maharashtra ATS launched a statewide operation questioning 112 individuals. These persons are allegedly linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Bhatti is suspected of using social media to influence youths towards anti-national activities. Teams from all 14 ATS units simultaneously carried out this morning's operation. The ATS is verifying alleged links and gathering further evidence in this ongoing probe.

The Kerala High Court ordered timely ex-gratia payments for Wayanad landslide victims. It also directed the swift handover of deceased individuals to their families. The court sought a government report on work stoppage at the tunnel project site. Ex-gratia payments and injured treatment costs can be charged to the tunnel project. The government stated work was stopped on May 25 and July 5.

Assam's budget has tripled to Rs 2,00,782 crore for 2025-26. Fund utilization stands at a strong 85 percent, indicating efficient management. Per capita income has tripled, reaching Rs 1,85,429 by 2025-26. The state's own tax revenue has significantly increased to Rs 39,294 crore. This budget aims for inclusive growth and a self-reliant Assam.

Cancer affects nearly everyone globally, with one in five developing the disease. The world recorded over twenty million new cases and ten million deaths last year. Financial hardship and mental health struggles impact many affected individuals and families. Survival rates significantly differ between high-income and low-income nations. Preventable risk factors and policy choices drive these stark global disparities.

The Indian women's hockey squad for the Asian Games has been announced. Salima Tete will continue to captain the experienced and junior players. This team aims to secure Olympic qualification by winning gold. The squad features a balanced mix of players with good recent form. They are confident and ready for the upcoming Asian Games challenge.