The Economic Times

State Bank of India is set to recruit 1,500 probationary officers this year to fuel business expansion, with applications closing on July 8. The bank also hires IT professionals and domain experts as Specialist Officers. Last fiscal, SBI onboarded over 25,000 individuals, including officers and associates, demonstrating its commitment to generating employment and building a skilled workforce.

Celina Jaitly is returning to acting while going through a difficult divorce. She recently revealed her twin sons read her divorce papers, written in German, on their anniversary. The actress also shared a distressing conversation where her estranged husband allegedly told her to find a job for access to their children. Read on.

Over 55 engineering colleges nationwide ceased operations in the 2025-26 academic year, with existing students permitted to finish their degrees. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra led closures with 12 institutions each. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) cited reasons like low student intake and non-compliance with norms. Additionally, nearly 1000 courses were discontinued across various technical institutions.

Premier Energies is set to invest Rs 6,000 crore over three years to establish ingot and wafer manufacturing capabilities, aiming for full integration in India's solar sector. This move aligns with government policy mandating domestic production of these components from 2028. The company's broader Rs 12,500 crore capex plan also includes expanding cell and module capacity and venturing into inverters, batteries, and transformers.

India's top retail firms anticipate robust April-June revenue growth, fueled by steady consumer demand and improving rural sentiment. Companies like Marico, GCPL, and Dabur foresee strong top-line expansion, with rural markets outperforming urban areas. While easing input costs are a positive, businesses are closely monitoring El Nino's potential impact on monsoons and agricultural output.

A proposed 100-bed civil hospital in Indore's Khajrana remains a 'hospital on paper' six years after its announcement. Despite lacking land and a building, 87 staff positions are sanctioned, with nearly 80 employees currently serving at other government facilities. Officials cite the difficulty in finding suitable government land as the reason for the delay, while critics question the recruitment for a non-existent hospital.

A first-year college student has stunned many by earning approximately Rs 4 lakh monthly as a sales intern at a startup, even outperforming experienced professionals. His exceptional sales performance has earned him a fully paid trip to Thailand. This remarkable achievement highlights the company's shift towards hiring based on practical skills and raw talent rather than traditional qualifications, sparking widespread discussion about the evolving Indian startup hiring landscape.

India's aluminium industry is split over import duties. Primary producers, represented by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI), want stricter controls on aluminium scrap imports and quality regulations, arguing that rising imports of allegedly substandard scrap could threaten more than 3 lakh crore of planned investments.

A crucial Uttar Pradesh government panel's madrasa reform recommendations remain overdue, impacting proposed changes to the state's education framework. The six-member committee's report, expected to guide amendments to key acts, has faced multiple extensions. While officials assure it's coming 'very soon,' the delay has caused uncertainty for aided madrasas and their teachers, especially with upcoming assembly elections.

Strikingly similar accounts of alien encounters are often rooted in the brain's ability to generate vivid, real-feeling experiences, especially during sleep paralysis. Psychological research highlights traits like absorption and fantasy proneness, alongside memory's reconstructive nature, contributing to these perceptions. Cultural narratives then shape how these internal events are interpreted.

Mother Teresa's timeless quote reminds us that loneliness and feeling unwanted can hurt more deeply than physical illness. In A Simple Path, she explains that while medicine can heal the body, only love, kindness, and human connection can heal the heart. Read on to know what these lines teach us.

A diaspora group talks how Indian thinkers and spiritual leaders have influenced American culture. Starting with Swami Vivekanandas message of acceptance in 1893, to B.K.S. Iyengars pivotal yoga movement, their impact stretches across spirituality, health, and advocacy for social justice. Icons like Paramahansa Yogananda and B.R. Ambedkar profoundly shaped communities and spiritual pathways throughout the United States.

Devotees' annual offerings at Uttarakhand's Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, managed by BKTC, are estimated at Rs 80-85 crore, surpassing budgets of several state departments. This significant sum comes to light amid allegations of theft involving donations at Badrinath Dham. The Temple Committee has launched an inquiry and vowed strict action against any guilty parties, emphasizing their commitment to transparency.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Pennsylvania is under surveillance, with governments and private firms monitoring attendees' faces, movements, and devices. Over $1 billion in security funding fuels advanced tech like facial recognition cameras and AI-powered drones, raising significant privacy concerns. Civil society groups warn of potential human rights breaches, including invasive data collection and profiling, urging caution for international visitors.

Bihar State University Service Commission is recruiting 3,687 contractual Assistant Professors across state universities and degree colleges. Applications are open until July 15, 2026, on the HED Bihar Samarth portal, with no fee. Eligibility requires a Master's degree, NET/SET qualification (or PhD exemption), and age between 21-43. Selection involves academic assessment and an interview. The process concludes with college allotment by August 7, 2026.

India's refined copper demand is set to surge, requiring an additional 500,000 tonnes of capacity every five years. Despite planned expansions, domestic production will remain insufficient to meet this growing need. Robust economic progress, infrastructure development, and the clean energy transition are fueling this demand, with building construction and renewables leading the charge. Further investment in smelting and refining facilities is crucial to bridge the supply gap.

A tale shared by billionaire Harsh Goenka highlights how an entrepreneur, after selling his company for 4,000 crore, saw his fortune plummet to 400 crore in just four years due to unchecked luxury and poor financial choices. This serves as a stark reminder that while wealth creation requires skill, its preservation demands discipline and careful planning.

Two alleged shooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi-Harry Boxer gang, wanted for the murder of a Hansi gym owner, were killed in a police encounter in Bahadurgarh. The operation, a joint effort by Delhi and Haryana police, saw the suspects open fire on officers. In the ensuing exchange, both were fatally injured. A constable sustained a leg wound during the intense confrontation.

Delhi, Noida, Gurugram rain today: Delhi-NCR residents should brace for increased rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department forecasts active monsoon conditions bringing cloudy skies, intermittent showers, and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph. Rainfall is expected to intensify from July 6 and continue through July 9, with potential for localized disruptions. Stay updated on local forecasts.

US President Donald Trump's upcoming NATO summit visit to Ankara may pave the way for Turkey to acquire crucial fighter jet engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project. While this could boost Turkey's indigenous defense capabilities, analysts believe it won't resolve the long-standing F-35 dispute, which continues to strain US-Turkey relations due to the S-400 missile system.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo highlights India's envelope problem, arguing that talent is overlooked due to a focus on credentials over ability. He shared an example of a self-taught designer from Indore earning significantly, underscoring that potential often lies beyond traditional markers. This discussion emerges as India's creator economy booms, with regional influencers and Gen Z driving substantial growth and shifting career perceptions.

The government has broadened the eligibility for ONGC's next chairman, raising the maximum entry age to 59 and offering a three-year term extendable by two years. This move aims to widen the candidate pool for India's largest oil producer. The selection process will now involve a search-cum-selection committee, a departure from the usual PESB procedure. Applications are open until July 21.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has ordered Entertainment City to register a 4.26% equity transfer to Bhutani Infra's Parmesh Construction Company. This decision overrides Unitech Holding's objections regarding a shareholder agreement violation. The tribunal ruled the transfer valid, stating that the initiation of a 100% disinvestment process effectively waived Unitech's Right of First Refusal.

Actress Madhoo reflects on the stark contrast in the film industry for actresses then and now. She highlights that 90s performers like herself were granted time to evolve and improve with each role, receiving second and third chances from audiences. Today's newcomers, however, face immense pressure to be perfect from their debut, with less room for error in a highly competitive landscape.

JSW MG Motor India aims to boost the localization of its popular Windsor EV to over 70% to mitigate supply chain issues. This strategic move supports the company's ambition for double-digit overall sales growth by 2026. The Windsor, a key growth driver, has achieved over 75,000 cumulative wholesales since its launch, demonstrating strong appeal to Indian car buyers across various markets.

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is tying the knot with longtime partner Gauri Spratt today in a private ceremony at his Mumbai residence. Beyond the wedding bells, the actor boasts an impressive Rs 1,862 crore fortune, amassed through a selective film career and strategic real estate investments, including properties in India and abroad, alongside a collection of luxury cars. Read on to know more about it in details.

Tata Steel plans a capital expenditure of Rs 20,000 crore this fiscal year, with 60% earmarked for its Indian operations. This investment will bolster expansions in tinplate, wires, and new facilities, alongside ongoing projects in mining and sustainability. The company aims to boost its long-term steelmaking capacity to over 50 million tonnes, primarily driven by growth in India.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the Rs 313.30 crore Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) to boost education, healthcare, and welfare for North Bengal's tea garden workers. The scheme allocates Rs 177 crore for education, Rs 72 crore for healthcare, and Rs 63 crore for 321 resting sheds. This initiative aims for comprehensive development and well-being of these workers and their families.

As AI, geopolitical shifts and disruption redefine leadership, The Decisive Decade for Leaders brings together CEOs, CXOs, board members, promoters and business heads for an exclusive masterclass with Dr Ram Charan, offering practical strategies to lead through India's defining decade.

Quote of the day by Immanuel Kant: Two centuries ago, philosopher Immanuel Kant proposed that true peace transcends mere absence of war, advocating for a profound shift in human thinking. He argued that lasting harmony hinges on individuals and nations prioritizing collective well-being over narrow self-interest.

Senior founders, who give up the comforts of India Inc for the chaotic energy of startups, bring to the table instant credibility, networks and industry knowledge that young founders strive for years to build.

Ladakh's Pashmina industry is set for a major boost with new policies approved by the Lieutenant Governor. A 'Livestock Development Incentive Programme' offers a 25% top-up on procurement, directly benefiting nomadic herders. A 8 crore revolving fund will ensure prompt payments, ending distress sales. These reforms aim to double production and strengthen Ladakh's position as a global leader in premium Pashmina.

Gatta Kusthi 2, starring Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi, has hit theatres on Friday (July 3). The film, which reverses traditional expectations, has seen strong weekend box office growth, earning over Rs 10 crore worldwide in its first two days. Read on to know where to stream the movie online after its successful theatrical run.

A marketing professional shared on Reddit how a 30% salary hike led to job loss just three months after relocating for a new role. Despite excelling and receiving positive feedback, a company-wide restructuring resulted in his position being eliminated. This adds to his career pattern of frequent job changes, raising concerns for his future job searches. Fellow Redditors offered support and shared similar layoff experiences.

Gurugram Municipal Corporation has fired an assistant sanitation inspector for using AI to fake the resolution of a garbage dumping complaint. He allegedly manipulated photos to show a site as clean, despite no work being done. In a separate incident, another official was dismissed for using GPS spoofing to falsify attendance. The corporation vows zero tolerance for such fraudulent practices.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) CEO Puneet Chhatwal saw his remuneration climb to Rs 25 crore in FY26, a nearly 9% jump from the previous year. This increase also widened the pay gap between him and the median employee. His package includes salary, bonuses, benefits, and commission. Shareholders recently approved a revision to his basic salary scale, effective April 1, 2026.

Government cancels auction of nine crucial mineral blocks due to poor investor interest and a lack of qualified bidders. This setback hinders efforts to boost domestic production of minerals vital for energy security and clean-tech manufacturing. The cancellations, a recurring issue in previous rounds, highlight challenges in attracting private investment to riskier mining ventures with high costs and regulatory hurdles.

Afghanistan's vital car parts trade in Spin Boldak has ground to a halt, crippled by escalating border conflicts with Pakistan and the recent Middle East war. Disruptions to key shipping routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, have sent import costs soaring and left businesses facing massive losses.

India's power sector is undergoing a overhaul, with transmission infrastructure and energy storage identified as key drivers for the next decade. Projections show installed capacity soaring to 900GW by FY32, supported by continued coal use and a surge in renewables. This expansion hinges on deploying increased energy storage to manage grid stability and meet rising demand from industries and new sectors.

India is set to embrace a new biofuel initiative, allowing up to 15% isobutanol blending with diesel. This strategic move aims to curb reliance on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Isobutanol, derived from ethanol, offers superior properties over direct ethanol blending, making it a promising substitute for diesel.

A poet at the funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei incited calls for the death of US President Donald Trump before a massive crowd. The funeral, attended by hundreds of thousands, honored Khamenei, who died in an airstrike, and highlighted the theocracy's efforts to leverage its influence amid ongoing war and potential Israeli attacks. The event's significance for the new supreme leader and ongoing negotiations was underscored.

Weather Today and Tomorrow: India braces for intense monsoon activity on July 5-6, with extremely heavy rainfall predicted for western and central regions. Mumbai and surrounding areas are under a red alert. Northern, eastern, and northeastern states will also see widespread showers, while hill states face landslide and flash flood risks. Residents are urged to stay updated and avoid travel during heavy downpours.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the formation of a NITI Aayog-like commission to craft a long-term development vision for the state. This body will monitor schemes, enhance inter-departmental coordination, and offer policy advice. Choudhary stressed the need for effective implementation and tangible outcomes, urging officials to develop district-specific budgets and an online portal for public representatives to track scheme progress. The goal is a 'developed Bihar' by 2037.

US President Donald Trump used America's 250th Independence Day celebration to deliver a sweeping patriotic address, declaring the US stronger, richer and prouder than ever, unveiling a 1776 American flag, defending the Constitution and Second Amendment, attacking communism, and asserting American dominance in space, military strength and global leadership.

Jammu and Kashmir has suspended eight education department employees and ordered an inquiry over the inclusion of two controversial books in schools and libraries under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

The Trump administration is aggressively cutting federal red tape, aiming to eliminate 702 regulations by September. This move, unprecedented in its scale, targets environmental reviews, energy standards, and diversity initiatives, projecting $1.5 trillion in economic savings. A key rollback involves repealing the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, a cornerstone of Obama-Biden climate policies. The administration also plans new rules on immigration and transportation security.