The Economic Times

Wimbledon 2026 kicks off June 29th with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek aiming to retain their titles. Novak Djokovic eyes a record eighth men's singles crown, while tennis icon Serena Williams makes a highly anticipated comeback. The tournament promises thrilling matches, featuring top stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, culminating in the finals on July 11th and 12th.

Sneeze Psychology: The common reflex to say God bless you after a sneeze stems from ancient beliefs about souls leaving the body and fears of illness, particularly during historical plagues. While science now explains sneezes as a reflex, the phrase persists as a social ritual, a small gesture of care and politeness.

A groundbreaking development has emerged as the State Investigation Agency has lodged a comprehensive 700-page chargesheet against Yasin Malik, the head of JKLF, along with four others for the tragic kidnapping and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat in 1990. Filed 36 years post-incident, this document underscores the relentless pursuit of justice for terrorism's victims and asserts that time does not shield offenders from accountability.

Israel and Lebanon have reached a U.S.-brokered peace framework, aiming for mutual recognition and an end to hostilities. Key points include the gradual disarming of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army, eventual Israeli withdrawal, and international aid for Lebanon's reconstruction. However, Hezbollah has rejected the terms, viewing them as a surrender, following a renewed conflict after a previous ceasefire failed to fully materialize.

Eight individuals accused of embezzling donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been placed in 14 days of judicial custody. A local court ordered the remand after their previous custody expired. Officials confirmed that police did not seek further custody of the accused, who were previously held for three days. This development follows their arrest in connection with the alleged financial irregularities.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has begun an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar, citing unfulfilled promises and stalled dialogue with the Centre regarding Ladakh's constitutional safeguards. He expressed sadness at having to protest again, emphasizing his commitment to dialogue despite the risk. Wangchuk hopes his hunger strike will revive meaningful engagement and urged political parties to support the movement for future generations.

A Karnataka village boy, Awais Ahmed, once reliant on encyclopedias for space knowledge, co-founded Pixxel, a company now orbiting Earth with its advanced satellites. This venture, born from childhood curiosity and a gap in satellite data, monitors vital environmental changes like crop health and pollution. Pixxel's innovative hyperspectral imaging technology has garnered global recognition, including a NASA contract, showcasing how humble beginnings can fuel groundbreaking space exploration.

India's industrial production surged by 5.1% in May 2026, largely propelled by strong manufacturing activity despite a decrease in mining operations. This data, which utilizes a new base year of 2022-23 and refined measurement approaches, paints a clearer and more accurate picture of the country's industrial progress. The revised index also factors in emerging sectors, providing essential economic insights for decision-makers and businesses alike.

NCP (SP) suspended its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar protest for a farm loan waiver after Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan invited leaders for talks with the Chief Minister. MLA Rohit Pawar led the hour-long demonstration, which was called off following the assurance of a meeting on Tuesday. The party warned of intensified agitation if discussions fail to yield concrete results, emphasizing the need for a blanket waiver for farmers.

India's Kidambi Srikanth secured a runner-up finish at the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament, losing a hard-fought final to Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang. Despite a strong comeback in the second game, Srikanth couldn't overcome the pace and intensity of his younger opponent, ultimately falling in three games. This marks his second final appearance this season.

India's Women's T20 World Cup exit has ignited a debate over captain Harmanpreet Kaur's future, with the team facing a significant reset. Despite pre-tournament expectations, the side struggled with unsettled combinations, a conservative approach, and poor fielding, leading to an early departure. Head coach Amol Muzumdar backed Kaur, but selectors face tough decisions regarding the team's direction.

Whirlpool's drastic decision to cut over half its Iowa plant's workforce throws a wrench in President Trump's tariff strategy designed to bolster U.S. manufacturing. The company argues that modernization justifies the layoffs, yet workers and investors are concerned about rising imports from Mexico and China, alongside the company's troubled stock performance.

Comcast is set to divide into two separate, publicly traded entities, spinning off its NBCUniversal and Sky media assets. This strategic move will create distinct companies: one focused on broadband and wireless services, and the other on theme parks, film, TV studios, and European media. The separation aims to adapt to evolving consumer habits and the dynamic streaming landscape. Shareholders will hold stakes in both new ventures.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the government has no involvement in retired diplomats and military officials attending overseas discussions on India-Pakistan relations. These are private events organized by private parties, and participants speak for themselves, not representing the official Indian government stance. New Delhi does not officially acknowledge or assign value to such deliberations, emphasizing that they cannot represent the government's views.

Europe is grappling with extreme weather as temperatures soar to 40C in some areas, while France reports nearly 1,000 excess deaths due to a relentless heatwave. The continent's infrastructure and healthcare systems are under immense strain. Meanwhile, weather forecasts show a mixed picture, with scorching heat in Italy and Spain, pleasant warmth in the Netherlands, and cooler conditions in higher altitudes of Switzerland.

Ending a 27-year legal fight, the Orissa High Court ordered a public sector bank to pay Rs 20 lakh each to two daily-wage sweepers. The court rejected their plea for service regularisation, citing previous judgments. Judges acknowledged the workers' nearly three decades of service, their advancing age, and limited future employment prospects, deeming the compensation a just resolution.

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu expressed no surprise at India's 0-2 loss to Ireland, citing the team's lack of preparation for slower wickets. He highlighted Tilak Varma's struggles with footwork against such bowling and the difficulty of transitioning from flat IPL tracks. Rayudu also advised against rushing young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the side, emphasizing the importance of experience. He believes the upcoming England series will present different, better conditions.

India is planning a high-frequency index to track its vast informal economy, covering millions of unincorporated enterprises. The proposed MoSPI index could improve GDP estimates, guide RBI interest-rate decisions, strengthen inflation management, sharpen government policymaking and offer investors, businesses and economists an unprecedented real-time view of the country's largest employment engine.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Bhagyathara BT-60 results for Monday, 29 June 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the Rs 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of other winning numbers here.

India's electoral process is the world's most transparent, with every stage audited by political parties and candidates, stated Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Currently chairing the International IDEA, India leads major democracies in its robust system. Kumar lauded booth-level officers as democracy's pillars during his Kashmir visit, extending greetings to voters and election officials across Jammu & Kashmir.

Europe heatwave: An Indian couple in Paris waited 90 minutes to buy a fan as extreme temperatures hit Europe, disrupting transport, infrastructure and daily life. Record-breaking temperatures are straining infrastructure, causing road damage and transport delays. While Indians accustomed to intense summers find the situation relatable, it underscores the growing need for climate adaptation across the continent as extreme heat events become more frequent.

Haryana and Rajasthan have inked a crucial agreement, enabling Rajasthan to receive water from the Hathini Kund barrage during monsoons. This pact finally implements a 1994 accord, facilitating water transfer via an underground pipeline. Union Home Minister Amit Shah oversaw the MoU signing, attended by state chief ministers and the Jal Shakti Minister, marking a significant step in water resource sharing.

A 15-year-old district topper from Madhya Pradesh, Anjali Sondhiya, defied societal norms and an arranged marriage to pursue her education. Facing three UPSC exam failures and personal tragedy, her mother's unwavering support became her strength. Anjali's relentless determination culminated in an impressive All India Rank 9 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2024, rewriting her destiny.

India's organized dairy sector is poised for accelerated revenue growth of 200-400 basis points this fiscal, driven by consistent volume increases and strategic price adjustments. Despite challenges like El Nio impacting milk supply and raising costs, companies are expected to pass these on, particularly for value-added products. This growth, coupled with healthy cash flows, will support continued investment and stable credit profiles for dairy players.

Randstad India has appointed Narayan Iyer as its new managing director and chair of the management council. With over three decades of experience in IT services and consulting, Iyer will spearhead the company's four specialisations and shared service centres in India. His leadership aims to drive growth, enhance digital capabilities, and solidify Randstad's role as a key talent partner in the rapidly evolving Indian market.

A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of ten individuals implicated in the NEET UG paper leak case until July 11. These accused, including Yash Yadav and Mangilal Biwal, are alleged to be part of a chain that facilitated the leak for a significant sum. The Central Bureau of Investigation is actively pursuing the case, with question papers reportedly recovered from one of the accused's mobile phones.

Following two surprising defeats against Ireland, India faces a pressing dilemma: how to integrate generational talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into their established lineup. Despite public demand, the team management has prioritized process, but recent results necessitate a review. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar strongly advocates for Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the upcoming England series, suggesting dropping out-of-form batsmen to accommodate him.

Despite ambitious spending and notable player acquisitions, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar experienced disappointing World Cup exits. This indicates that financial clout does not ensure triumph in the game. Saudi Arabia is now prioritizing homegrown talent for their hosting in 2034, while Qatar, despite fervent investment, cannot seem to elevate its football status on the global stage.

Actress Zoey Deutch reveals a surprising truth: those who appear most confident and self-assured often hide deep insecurities and inner pain. This powerful insight challenges our perception of outward confidence, urging us to look beyond surface-level appearances. Deutch's message encourages greater empathy, reminding us that everyone battles unseen struggles, making kindness and understanding crucial in our interactions.

Under the Legal Metrology Act, businesses can address minor first-time procedural errors without incurring immediate penalties. The newly implemented 'Improvement Notice' system, introduced through the Ease of Doing Business initiative, provides a grace period for necessary corrections. This adjustment is designed to foster voluntary adherence and minimize legal conflicts, all while ensuring stringent actions against fraud and repeated offenses for consumer protection.

Ford Motor Co. is re-emphasizing human expertise to combat persistent quality issues, bringing in hundreds of veteran engineers to train its AI systems. This strategic shift, moving beyond AI alone, is already yielding significant financial benefits through reduced warranty claims and recall costs. While AI is a valuable tool, Ford acknowledges the irreplaceable depth of knowledge held by experienced engineers in achieving superior product quality.

Scientists have remarkably recreated a vowel-like sound from the vocal tract of Nesyamun, an ancient Egyptian priest who lived around 1100 BC. Using advanced CT scans and 3D printing, researchers produced a sound based on the mummy's preserved throat, offering a unique, albeit limited, auditory connection to the past. This groundbreaking experiment opens new avenues for understanding ancient lives through sound, complementing traditional archaeological methods.

Most of us never think twice about this. You either kick off your footwear the moment you walk in, or you always have a pair of chappals on. Turns out, both choices have real consequences for your feet and your posture. Here is what the science actually says.

Nagaland State Lottery Result Today: Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Monday Weekly draw results for 29 June 2026 have been officially declared. Check who won the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of winning numbers here.

Hatred, a potent emotion, often arises from fear of the unknown, past hurts, jealousy, and group identity. Misunderstandings and a desire for control also fuel its development. Experts suggest that empathy, education, and addressing personal insecurities are key to overcoming this deeply rooted feeling, paving the way for healthier relationships and a more compassionate society.

Legendary athlete Anju Bobby George expresses confidence in Neeraj Chopra's ability to regain peak form for upcoming major events, citing his past achievements. George also anticipates her long jump national record being broken, highlighting promising talents like Ancy Sojan and Shaili Singh. She further commends the overall improvement in Indian athletics, attributing it to strategic planning and a shift in training methodologies.

India's T20 World Cup winning team expressed disbelief after a shock 2-0 series loss to Ireland. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the visitors were outdone and outsmarted, failing to adapt to conditions, particularly the wind. He highlighted Ireland's strong basics and the need for India to learn quicker adjustments against diverse opponents and challenging environments.

OTT releases this week: This week offers something for every kind of binge-watcher across platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and Apple TV+. From the much-awaited Enola Holmes 3 and Rajkumar Hirani's OTT debut Pritam and Pedro to Silo Season 3, Super Subbu and X-Men '97 Season 2, viewers have plenty of new movies and web series to add to their watchlist between June 29 and July 5.

India has urged the European Union to reconsider planned restrictions on metal scrap exports. Steel and aluminium producers fear these curbs, set to begin in May 2027, could significantly increase supply shortages and costs. New Delhi is formally seeking continued access to these vital recyclable materials, potentially through export quotas, to safeguard its domestic industries and leverage its recent trade agreement with the EU.

CBSE Class 10 Result 2026 Second Board Link: Students awaiting their CBSE Class 10 Second Board Examination Result 2026 can anticipate its release soon, potentially by week's end. Over 6.68 lakh students took this exam, designed to offer a chance for mark improvement. Results will be accessible via official CBSE websites, DigiLocker, UMANG app, SMS, and IVRS. Candidates should have their roll numbers and admit card details ready for a smooth check.

Authorities in Manipur have apprehended three individuals linked to banned militant groups across Thoubal and Imphal West districts. Among those arrested was a self-styled captain of the People's Liberation Army, found with a firearm and ammunition. Two other active cadres from the KCP (PSC) outfit were also taken into custody. All three face charges related to extortion activities.

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket, despite his absence from the recent T20 series against Ireland. Ten Doeschate emphasized that Sooryavanshi, who dominated the IPL, must follow the established team selection process. The young batting sensation's potential debut could see him become India's youngest international player, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has embraced daily cold showers for four years, inspired by the concept of cold-shock proteins. These proteins help cells adapt to cold and stress, potentially aiding in cellular repair and brain health. While research is ongoing, the practice is gaining traction for its purported benefits in recovery, stress resilience, and aging, with many finding it a powerful mental discipline to start their day.