The Economic Times

The recent World Cup brought excitement but did not significantly boost Mexico's economy. Weak investment and trade agreement uncertainty continue to weigh on economic growth. Official tourism targets for the tournament were not met by the country. Some host cities experienced uneven economic benefits from the event. Trade certainty under the USMCA remains the main driver for the Mexican economy.

Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized by Delhi Police after a 20-day hunger strike. He protested alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demanded accountability. Doctors noted significant weight loss, raising health concerns for the activist. The Delhi High Court had ordered regular monitoring of his critical condition. Wangchuk urged supporters to march to Parliament to ensure their concerns were addressed.

Andhra Rain Alert Today: Andhra Pradesh faces scattered showers and humid heat this week. Vijayawada expects rain chances to rise significantly by Monday. Visakhapatnam's wettest day is forecast for Sunday with higher probabilities. Rayalaseema region remains drier and hotter with limited rainfall chances. The state's monsoon season shows a substantial rainfall deficit so far.

Army troops fired on suspicious movement along the Line of Control in Rajouri district. This small arms firing occurred near Tarkundi forward area late Friday night. The troops observed suspected terrorists prompting the initial exchange of fire. Retaliatory firing was also reported from across the border during the incident. A search operation was launched Saturday morning to confirm infiltrator presence.

Christopher Nolan's new film The Odyssey opened strongly in India on Friday, July 17. The epic fantasy-action movie earned approximately Rs 20 crore in India. This Hollywood release secured a major opening despite its A certificate rating. The film also performed exceptionally well in North America. Read on to know how much the movie earned globally.

President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final and present the trophy. He previously asked FIFA to review a controversial red card incident. Trump and FIFA President Infantino praised each other at a New York reception. The United States is considering a solo bid for the 2038 World Cup. Trump's presence at the event is expected to draw mixed reactions.

A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Mexico's southern Pacific coast near Guatemala on Friday. The tremor was felt widely across Mexico City and El Salvador, causing some alarm. Authorities reported two minor injuries in southern Mexico and no significant damage in any country. Guatemalan residents evacuated buildings as the quake lasted for an extended period. Tsunami risk was monitored along coastal areas after the seismic event.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday (local time) that it had successfully destroyed a surveillance tower at Iran's Shahid Kalantari Port in Chabahar, claiming the facility was part of a maritime surveillance network operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to monitor commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, particularly along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

India's currency printing authority is now on the lookout for international suppliers of polymer banknote material, signaling a significant change from nearly a century of using paper notes. Bidders must adhere to strict security protocols and provide evidence of past collaborations with central banks. The Reserve Bank of India is considering polymer notes due to their durability, coinciding with a recent drop in currency printing costs.

Phrase of the day by Kris Jenner offers practical wisdom for anyone pursuing meaningful goals. Hard work builds character, saving creates opportunity, and an entrepreneurial mindset encourages creativity and resilience. Together, these qualities empower individuals to transform ambitions into lasting accomplishments. Success may not happen overnight, but with discipline, financial responsibility, continuous learning, and the courage to take initiative, people can build futures defined not by luc

Gold price has fallen about 25 per cent since the U.S.-backed war with Iran began in late February, pressured by expectations that war-driven inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer.

Indian restaurants and pubs anticipate a significant spending surge this weekend. Advance bookings for venues have more than doubled, prompting extended operating hours. Television manufacturers report a substantial increase in large-screen TV demand. Brands are offering special promotions and meal combos to capitalize on the event. Businesses expect a considerable boost in sales during the final match.

Most pirates were probably not blind in one eye, and eye patches were likely far less common than popular culture suggests. Yet the combination of real maritime dangers, scientific possibility, and centuries of storytelling has ensured that the pirate eye patch remains one of history's most enduring and fascinating myths.

Phrase of the Day: The phrase 'hit rock bottom' describes reaching life's lowest or most difficult point. This expression originates from mining and drilling, signifying a point of no return. It is used for serious setbacks, not minor daily disappointments or inconveniences. Many people find resilience and growth after experiencing such challenging moments. This phrase highlights the human belief that difficult times can initiate a fresh start.

Cooling cooked pasta transforms its starch into beneficial resistant starch. This fiber supports improved gut health and better blood sugar management. Resistant starch also aids in controlling appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. Even reheating the chilled pasta preserves these valuable nutritional advantages. Storing and handling leftovers properly makes them a surprisingly nutritious option.

Warmer weather may slightly increase nail growth due to better blood circulation. However, a physician's decades-long study found no measurable climate effect on his nails. Factors like age, genetics, and nutrition significantly influence nail growth rates. Illnesses and injuries also impact how quickly nails grow and recover. Overall, everyday influences have a more substantial effect than seasonal temperature changes.

Psychology says people who never finish their food completely and leave something or the other in their plate aren't always showing disrespect for food. Psychology suggests that this behavior can be linked to eating habits, self-control, cultural upbringing, appetite regulation, social settings, and personal routines. Experts say there is no single explanation because different people leave food on their plates for different reasons, depending on circumstances and individual behavior.

The scheme allows customers to borrow up to 12 times their deposit amount and offers indicative effective annual returns of up to 16.2%, depending on the investment size and tenure, according to offer documents accessed by ET. Under the FCNR(B) Special Opportunity Deposit with Structured Loan Facility, the bank is offering dollar deposit rates of up to 6.60% for deposits above $5 million with maturities of three to five years.

Quote of the Day by Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderas quote, I think the worst enemy for success is the anxiousness to get it, highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and trusting the journey toward achieving goals. The quote suggests that constantly worrying about reaching success too quickly can create unnecessary stress, cloud judgment, and prevent people from enjoying the learning process. Instead of chasing immediate results, it encourages focusing on steady effort, continuous

Julius Caesar's ancient quote remains relevant for modern challenges and personal growth. He noted that enduring pain with patience requires more courage than a single heroic act. This wisdom applies to education, business, and overcoming personal difficulties. Caesar, a Roman leader, transformed the Republic into an empire through military and political actions. His enduring message emphasizes resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

The Indian economy expanded 7.7% in the last financial year, and the RBI has projected GDP growth of 6.6% for the current fiscal year despite global uncertainties, Sanjay Malhotra said. The governor also flagged inflation risks, noting that the RBI had raised its inflation forecast for FY27 to 5.1% from 4.6% earlier.

Quote of the Day by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai and her timeless message on everyday leadership. Her famous words remind us that lasting change begins with one simple action, not one powerful person. Wangari Maathai was one of the most influential environmental leaders of the modern era. She transformed the simple act of planting a tree into a global movement for environmental conservation, women's empowerment, democracy, and peace.

The Central government has petitioned the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court ruling. The High Court had previously quashed tenders for consular services at Indian Missions abroad. This decision followed petitions from two disqualified bidders alleging unfair evaluation processes. The government argues the High Court's decision was incorrect and seeks its reversal. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Monday.

Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the AAP government of corruption, worsening law and order, and failing to curb the drug menace. Addressing a rally in Jalandhar, he also attacked the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress, asserting that only the BJP could transform the state.

In the U.S., beer consumption has fallen steadily for a decade, according to the Brewers Association, a trade group for craft brewers. Canada has seen a similar decline, according to the national statistics agency. The Brewers of Europe trade association says the story is the same in the European Union.

Reliance Industries plans a multi-year campaign to boost natural gas output. This effort aims to offset declining production from existing fields. Elevated gas prices are expected due to ongoing West Asia conflict. The company anticipates better price realization for its KG-D6 gas fields. Continued investment in coal-bed methane operations will also proceed.

Anglo American has chosen a consortium led by Gareth Penny as the preferred bidder. This group, known as Global Diamond Consortium, emerged from three competing proposals. Botswana's government is evaluating the preferred bidder's proposal for De Beers. The proposal includes participation from Angola and Namibia as partners. Botswana retains freedom to act as a partner or exercise preemption rights.

Air India plans ambitious expansion, doubling capacity and adding new global destinations. The airline aims to connect every major city worldwide with India. This expansion continues despite significant financial losses and operational disruptions. Pakistani airspace closure and rising fuel costs impact flight routes and expenses. Employees urge a swift appointment of a new chief executive officer.

JioStar's Ebitda from operations increased thirty-one percent year-on-year. Higher subscription revenue and digital entertainment advertising fueled this growth. JioHotstar achieved its highest-ever average monthly active users. IPL 2026 became the most-watched season in the tournament's history. The micro-content platform Tadka crossed one hundred million active users.

Reliance Retail reported a net profit decline of fourteen percent year-on-year. Revenue from operations grew eight point two percent, with FMCG business growth strong. Investments in digital commerce and infrastructure impacted operating margins significantly. The company aims to double operating Ebitda over three years through growth. Reliance Retail expanded its store network to over twenty thousand locations.

In an old interview, superstar Shah Rukh Khan admitted that he doesnt follow a particular diet, nor does he believing in starving himself. He follows basic dietary rule of consuming food low in calories and high in fibre and eating food in moderation.

Iron ore has been added to the core sector industries list, expanding it to nine. The government will release a revised Index of Core Industries series on July 20. This new series will feature a base year of 2022-23, replacing the older 2011-12 base. Raw coal remains, but coal middlings and washed coal are excluded to prevent double counting.

While narcissism can sometimes involve exaggerated beliefs about intelligence, simply believing you're highly intelligent is not enough to justify that label. Research consistently suggests that genuine expertise often goes hand in hand with curiosity, openness to learning, and intellectual humility.

Creators face increasing self-censorship in India's entertainment industry. Sensitive topics like Kashmir and caste are now avoided at ideation stages. Fear of social media backlash and regulatory scrutiny limits creative expression. Writers now make strategic decisions rather than purely creative ones. This trend is significantly shrinking the universe of available storytelling.

Neha Marda, who is best known for playing the headstrong Gehna, in the hit TV show Balika Vadhu, is today a successful entrepreneur with a startup valued at Rs 200 crore. In a recent appearance in Shark Tank India, the former actress revealed her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

The EPFO has launched VISHWAS 2026, a six-month, one-time dispute resolution scheme to help employers settle pending damages and penalty cases under provident fund laws. The initiative offers substantially reduced penalty rates for eligible defaults before June 14, 2024, through a fully digital, transparent and time-bound process.

Photographer Joan Monfort's images of Lionel Messi bathing Lamine Yamal have gained global attention. These pictures were taken nearly two decades ago for a charity calendar. The resurfaced photos now highlight a remarkable twist of fate for the upcoming World Cup final. Messi's Argentina will face Yamal's Spain for the sport's biggest trophy. This unexpected connection has captivated fans and media worldwide.

The rollout of 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet Railway Solutions has been delayed as final train designs are yet to be approved. With the prototype now expected only by the end of 2026, Indian Railways has turned to its own manufacturing units to accelerate sleeper coach production.

The Centre has issued guidelines for states to claim 5,175 crore in incentives under the SASCI 2026-27 scheme by accelerating mine operationalisation, boosting mineral production and implementing mining reforms. States must operationalise 79 auctioned mineral blocks by December 31 to qualify, with incentives linked to clearances and governance performance.

Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead NITI Aayog's investment friendliness index. The index assesses states on eight key parameters for investor attraction. Fifteen states were classified as frontrunners, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. India needs to increase investment to boost economic growth and demand. Strengthening state-level ecosystems is essential for national competitiveness and growth.

Banks face challenges extending collateral-free loans up to twenty lakh rupees. Some accounts are not covered by the government guarantee scheme for small firms. Many borrowers are unwilling to pay additional guarantee fees for these loans. Lenders plan to approach the government and RBI regarding these issues. This situation impacts credit access for micro and small enterprises.

Quote of the Day by Beyonc: Beyoncs quote, Theres definitely a dangerous feeling when youre in loveits giving your heart to someone else and knowing that they have control over your feelings. I know for me, who always tries to be so tough, thats the dangerous thing, explores the importance of emotional vulnerability, trust, and openness in relationships. The quote suggests that love requires people to lower their emotional defenses and accept the risk of allowing someone else to influence their