The Economic Times

Aristotle linked stronger maternal affection to biological certainty in ancient times. He believed this certainty intensified emotional attachment to children. Modern views acknowledge broader factors shaping parental love beyond biology. Adoptive parents and caregivers demonstrate deep devotion without biological certainty. Aristotle's perspective offers historical insight into family bonds and trust.

India's government will examine Meta's new AI image tool for legal compliance. Concerns are growing over privacy and the use of Instagram photos. The tool allows image generation from public Instagram profiles without explicit consent. Experts warn this could normalise deepfakes and harm creators' reputations. Meta states users control content reuse and can disable the feature.

Iran summoned the British ambassador to protest accusations after a London court jailed two individuals. The court convicted the individuals for a knife attack carried out on behalf of Iran. British security officials stated the abhorrent attack was conducted on behalf of Iran. Iran's ministry conveyed its protest against the British government's inappropriate approach. Tehran also cited Britain's hosting of channels encouraging violence and terrorism.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now claimed 600 lives, figures published by the World Health Organization showed Thursday, only three days after the figure topped 500. Updated numbers issued by the UN health agency showed there have been 1,759 confirmed cases in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths.

Best Mexican Proverb of the Day: War is waged by fools for the benefit of the wise explores the hidden costs of conflict. Derived from the Mexican saying La guerra la hacen los tontos en provecho de los sabios, the proverb encourages critical thinking by reminding people to consider who bears the sacrifices and who ultimately benefits before becoming involved in disputes.

Gurugram's corporate corridor became a swamp after recent heavy rainfall. The city floods due to dismantled natural drainage systems over decades. Ponds and bunds, which once managed runoff, have largely disappeared. Extensive concrete development redirects rainwater onto unprepared roads. Restoring water bodies and green cover is essential to prevent future flooding.

In a matter concerning illegal and unsafe buildings and structures across the country, the Supreme Court has passed strong directions by directing senior officials of municipal corporations and development authorities in Delhi, Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna and Tamil Nadu to submit status reports on the action taken against buildings that pose serious safety risks.

Andy Burnham plans to boost Britain's defense capabilities and industry. He believes a dangerous world requires renewed focus on hard power. Investment in defense will help reindustrialize struggling parts of Britain. Burnham also seeks closer defense ties with European nations. He will speed up negotiations with the European Union on key issues.

Air Force sergeant promotion errors: Over 100 US Air Force personnel lost promotions due to a scoring error. An outdated answer key mistakenly graded exams for Security Forces staff sergeants. This error caused 135 promotions to be revoked after a thorough review. Another 135 airmen now receive promotions through a supplemental release. Officials confirmed the incident was human error and not artificial intelligence.

Donald Trump reiterated his claim of resolving the India-Pakistan conflict last May. He stated eleven jets were shot down during the four-day hostilities. Trump asserted he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for settling eight wars. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited Trump with saving millions of lives. India maintains the conflict ended through direct military talks without US mediation.

Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland revealed his daily diet and recovery habits. His diet includes fresh eggs, sourdough bread, raw milk, and beef. Health influencer Paul Saladino praised many of Haaland's food choices. Saladino criticized the footballer's use of non-stick cookware during meal preparation. Haaland consumes over six thousand calories daily to support his demanding profession.

India's FMCG sector faces headwinds as El Nino threatens a weaker monsoon. A deficient monsoon could hurt agricultural output and weaken rural sentiment. This situation may lead to higher food inflation and reduced household discretionary spending. Farm incomes could be impacted, weighing further on rural consumption. The full impact of a deficient monsoon is likely visible towards year-end.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of harming national interests. He cited reports claiming China powers India's strategic and critical industries. Imports from China have significantly increased since the Galwan clash. This has led to a substantial trade deficit with the neighboring country. Kharge highlighted dependence on China for antibiotics and EV components.

Arvind Kejriwal will address fuel pricing concerns at a press conference today. He alleges petrol should cost 82 rupees per liter but is sold at 102. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted price cuts are a legitimate question now. Oil companies absorbed significant losses selling fuel below cost previously. Puri also defended the ethanol blending program and its benefits.

Just For Laughs Toronto 2026 will present ten days of comedy shows. Major international comedians like Pete Davidson and Tiffany Haddish are scheduled to perform. The festival is set to run across multiple Toronto venues from September 24. Presale tickets are available now, with general sales opening soon. Audiences are advised to book early for preferred seating and showtimes.

A co-founder of California-based Bramshill Investments, an $8 billion asset management firm, has sued after being fired for allegedly violating the company's own five-day return-to-office policy. William Nieporte claims the mandate was used to push him out of the business and is seeking at least $30 million in damages.

Repeatedly thanking friends for small favors signals deeper connection and care. Psychology suggests over-thanking reflects how individuals experience receiving help. Gratitude acts as an interpersonal signal, showing someone feels genuinely seen. Unexpected support often creates a stronger emotional response and strengthens bonds. This behavior reflects an ability to recognize kindness and appreciate meaningful connections.

A young merchant navy seaman from Haryana has gone missing after an incident at sea. Deepak Duddi was reportedly last seen on duty aboard a vessel near Odesa. His family received news of his disappearance from the ship's owning company. They are seeking an investigation and intervention from the Indian government. The family hopes authorities will help uncover what happened to him.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a significant trade deal with India. Fifty-seven percent of New Zealand's exports will enter India tariff-free immediately. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit New Zealand from July 10-11. This agreement expands access for New Zealand businesses to India's large economy. Discussions will cover trade, commerce, and defense cooperation between the two nations.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Comeback: Football's World Cup stage has witnessed numerous dramatic comebacks. Argentina recently escaped a two-goal deficit against Egypt in a thrilling match. The 1954 Austria versus Switzerland game ended with a remarkable seven-five scoreline. Eusebio's four goals rescued Portugal from a three-goal deficit in 1966. These historic recoveries highlight the tournament's enduring magic and unpredictability.

Germany will purchase American Tomahawk cruise missiles for its defense. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this agreement on Thursday at a NATO meeting. These long-range missiles will help close a significant strategic gap in German defenses. Germany also plans to develop and station its own European missile systems. This decision follows previous doubts and a dispute with the US president.

India's IT Ministry awaits Meta's formal response to a notice regarding child exploitation ads. Meta published a blog detailing its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material. The company highlighted AI-powered detection and large-scale enforcement actions. This scrutiny follows a BBC report alleging algorithm promotion of such content.

Women now lead India's higher education enrolment, with their Gross Enrolment Ratio reaching 31.2%. This trend has solidified over three years, showing consistent female growth. Women comprise nearly half of all higher education students nationwide. Their participation is strong across social categories and postgraduate studies. However, a gender divide persists in core technical education fields.

China's auto sales decline prompts manufacturers to boost overseas exports. Domestic demand has fallen significantly, pushing companies to seek new markets. Chinese automakers are now flooding global markets with competitively priced vehicles. This influx intensifies price competition and challenges established manufacturers worldwide. Governments are responding with tariffs and increased scrutiny of imports.

Can tenants stop paying rent after floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters? Here's what the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, and the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, say about tenant rights, rent, security deposits, and lease termination.

NATO Summit explained: NATO leaders met in Ankara, Turkiye, for their annual summit. Discussions focused on defense investment and continued support for Ukraine. Allies pledged significant military aid for Ukraine through 2027. Tensions arose over Iran and defense spending, though a warmer tone emerged. The summit reaffirmed collective defense commitments among member nations.

Corporate India's revenue reached a two-year peak in Q1, propelled by significant price hikes. The domestic market drove growth in key sectors such as automobiles and FMCG, accompanied by robust volume increases. Strong export performance, especially in electronics and IT services, further boosted the economy. Yet, soaring input costs greatly impacted corporate profit margins this quarter.

The refrigerator acts as a psychological trigger, prompting visits beyond physical hunger. This behavior stems from hedonic hunger, which seeks pleasure and reward. External food cues influence eating decisions, overriding biological hunger signals. The habit loop of cue, routine, and reward reinforces these automatic kitchen visits. Boredom often drives these actions as humans seek stimulation and a change of pace.

Global music stars will perform at the World Cup halftime show. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are among the announced headliners. Afrobeats star Burna Boy and the PS22 Chorus will also take the stage. This event supports a fund for children's education and soccer access. The performance aims to unite the world through music and sport.

The Supreme Court might send a bail case to a larger bench. This concerns a typographical error in an arrest memo for Sonam Raghuvanshi. The Meghalaya High Court had granted her bail based on this mistake. The state government argued the error was clerical and the crime was serious. The court will examine the necessity of written grounds for arrest.

The United States anticipates prolonged military exchanges with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation follows the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire agreement between the two nations. Iran insists on controlling passage through the strategic waterway, while the US aims for safe navigation. Both sides have engaged in retaliatory strikes, intensifying regional tensions significantly. Despite military actions, diplomatic channels remain open, though trust is a major concern.

The Delhi Development Authority issued a stern warning against land encroachment. Unauthorized occupation of DDA land will face immediate demolition actions. The authority stated that all such land is government property. Expenses incurred during removal will be recovered as land revenue arrears. Public is urged to refrain from illegal use and verify property status.

The Dark Triad combines narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, influencing interpersonal interactions. These traits can lead to manipulation and a lack of empathy in relationships. Research shows varied associations between these traits and emotional intelligence levels. Recognizing consistent behavioral patterns is more useful than labeling individuals. Awareness of these traits helps in making informed decisions about trust.

Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Playing 11: Zimbabwe seeks a historic ODI series victory over Bangladesh after winning the first match. A second win on Thursday will secure this memorable triumph for the home team. The upcoming match is scheduled for July 9 at Harare Sports Club. The pitch offers early assistance to seamers, becoming flatter for batters later. Fans can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran urged industry to invest in skilling and innovation. He stated government has supported Global Capability Centres through Budget announcements. Artificial intelligence poses risks to business models focused solely on low-cost execution. The government encourages GCC expansion beyond major metropolitan cities. Firms and people must drive the move from cost to capability and innovation.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death has revealed Iran's profound societal divisions. Hard-liners displayed strength at his funeral while discontent simmers beneath the surface. Decades of repression and economic issues fuel widespread public dissatisfaction across the nation. Protests and crackdowns have intensified, leaving many Iranians feeling despair and uncertainty. The future of the Islamic Republic remains uncertain as factions vie for influence.

Aswath S from Tamil Nadu achieved Grandmaster status, becoming India's 98th. He secured his third norm at the Pune International GM Round Robin tournament. Aswath took a break from chess for his Class 10 board examinations. His father, a chess coach, introduced him to the game at a young age. The young Grandmaster aims for higher ratings and world rankings.

India's women's cricket team prepares for their first Test match at Lord's. This historic encounter follows their T20 World Cup campaign and a training camp. The team aims for a strong performance in this traditional red-ball format. Several players may make their Test debut for India against England. Tammy Beaumont will retire from international cricket after this significant match.

Harohalli is now a fourth potential site for Bengaluru's second airport. The Karnataka government has deferred a final decision on the airport's location. A comprehensive technical feasibility report will guide the final site selection process. The proposed airport is expected to require around 3,500 acres of land. Officials aim to control land acquisition costs and minimize displacement of villages.

Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma suffered an insect bite while filming Prabhas' upcoming movie. He experienced severe pain and fever after the incident occurred on set. Sharma was then flown to Kolkata for urgent medical attention and treatment. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition as an infection spread. The AICWA has demanded an investigation into workplace safety protocols.

Aluminium foil protects chocolate from heat, moisture, and light. This material became standard in the early twentieth century for its superior barrier qualities. Foil prevents oxidation and moisture loss, maintaining chocolate's smooth texture. It also blocks odours and minimizes temperature changes during storage. Modern packaging combines foil with other materials for enhanced protection and branding.

Tamil Nadu will distribute attractive and comfortable dhotis and sarees to nearly 2.23 crore ration cardholders. These garments will feature new golden, silver, or copper colored polyester zari borders. Sarees will also be available in brighter greens and other colors, offering enhanced comfort. The government has allocated 642.88 crore for the procurement of over 2.27 crore pieces. This initiative aims to support poorer sections and provide employment to textile workers.