The Economic Times

The Indian government is set to launch a Rs 5,000 crore scheme within three months to boost clean technologies in steelmaking, aiming to slash carbon emissions. Titled the National Strategy for Sustainable Secondary Steel, the initiative will benefit all steel producers, with a significant portion allocated to smaller players. This move aligns with India's net-zero commitments, addressing the steel sector's substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

A groundbreaking EV policy is set to roll out in Delhi, promising generous incentives of up to Rs 50,000 for electric two and three-wheelers and Rs 100,000 for dismantling old cars. With a robust budget allocation of Rs 15,000 crore, the goal is to achieve 95% electric vehicle registration by 2027, effectively phasing out petrol and CNG variants.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. is acquiring a 40% stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India for Rs 85 crore, marking its significant entry into India's booming value-added bitumen market. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the nation's infrastructure development, particularly road construction. The joint venture will leverage Shell's technology and Tiki Tar's manufacturing capabilities, combined with BPCL's extensive distribution network, to supply advanced bitumen products for major projects.

A 1806 haystack meeting at Williams College sparked American missionary efforts in Asia, significantly shaping the USA's global perspective. Despite initial setbacks in India, American missionaries diligently documented local life, including diets and domestic practices, offering unique insights. Their experiences, particularly regarding household management and culinary adaptations, provided a distinct viewpoint compared to British accounts, influencing American understanding of the world and i

Prepare at least 2 lakh saplings of famous Tezpur litchi for distribution next year- Assams Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika

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.

Dreaming of a mountain home? Delhi couple Rahul and Garima, now in Manali, share crucial advice. They highlight the importance of planning logistics, like luggage handling, and choosing accommodation near healthcare facilities. Prioritizing fitness is also key, as mountain living demands physical stamina for steep and rocky terrains. Their insights offer a realistic perspective on embracing a slower, scenic lifestyle.

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.

Hindustan Zinc is pivoting towards becoming a future-ready energy transition company, Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar announced. The firm is significantly investing in technology like AI and automation to boost productivity and safety. Diversifying beyond zinc, the company is exploring critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements, essential for the growing electric vehicle market and India's industrial expansion. This strategic shift, dubbed Hindustan Zinc 2.

Axis Bank's Chief Financial Officer, Puneet Sharma, has resigned to pursue new professional opportunities. Sharma, who has been with the bank since March 2020, will step down on August 31. He previously held significant roles at Tata Capital and Citibank. The bank expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well for the future.

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.

Czech-French author Milan Kundera's profound insight into fear, particularly from 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' redefines it not as a deterrent but as a signal of meaningful pursuit. He describes 'vertigo' as the tempting pull to quit, rather than the fear of failure. Kundera's message encourages embracing these moments of doubt as inherent to striving for higher goals, emphasizing courage as the choice to persevere.

Discover Daisugi, a 600-year-old Japanese tradition offering premium timber without deforestation. This ingenious method, originating in 14th-century Kyoto, cultivates multiple straight shoots from a single cedar trunk, yielding exceptionally strong and flexible wood. Instead of felling trees, this sustainable practice ensures a continuous harvest from a living platform, preserving forests 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.

Microfinance asset quality saw a positive shift in May, with loan defaults declining nationwide. However, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh continue to exhibit higher stress levels. Despite a slight dip in active accounts, the overall loan portfolio expanded, indicating sustained borrower demand and lender prudence. This improvement suggests a healthier financial landscape for many, though regional disparities persist.

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.

Apple has accused Indian antitrust investigators of merely copying rivals' claims without independent analysis in its competition law probe. The tech giant argues the findings are flawed and calls for them to be quashed, citing a lack of opportunity to present its case. This marks a significant escalation in Apple's dispute with the Competition Commission of India over its app store practices.

Renowned psychologist Albert Ellis challenged the conventional pursuit of self-esteem, labelling it a 'sickness' because it's conditional. He argued that tying self-worth to external factors like success or approval leads to emotional distress. Instead, Ellis advocated for unconditional self-acceptance, a state independent of achievements or failures, as the true path to lasting emotional well-being and resilience.

In a strategic move, INERA Crop Science has teamed up with CropNXT Solutions to tap into a Rs 500 crore opportunity in biological agri-inputs across northern and eastern India. This collaboration aspires to assist over 65 lakh farmers in five states by providing sustainable substitutes for traditional fertilizers, addressing concerns over soil health and soaring prices.

Hollywood actor Tyrese Gibson's powerful quote reminds people not to let past pain, financial struggles or a difficult upbringing define their future. Instead, he encourages taking responsibility, changing your mindset and focusing on solutions rather than excuses. His message is a simple reminder that success often begins with the choices you make every day. Read on!

Delhi's Cabinet has greenlit an electric vehicle policy, set to launch by July 1, with a substantial Rs 15,000 crore investment planned over four years. The policy may offer a 50% road tax waiver on hybrid vehicles up to Rs 30 lakh, aiming to accelerate electric mobility adoption despite some internal debate. This move signals a significant push towards greener transportation in the capital.

India's economy is demonstrating remarkable resilience against global challenges, according to Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI. He highlighted that initial economic indicators suggest continued growth, with the government actively leveraging administrative data for informed policymaking. The ministry is focused on harmonizing data to enhance interoperability and accessibility, ensuring a robust data ecosystem for future decision-making and the nation's development goals.

Apple's predictable chip roadmap is reportedly set for a major shift, with the company possibly skipping M6 Pro and Max variants to focus on an AI-driven M7 family by 2027.

Omaxe is set to invest a substantial Rs 6,200 crore over the next 4-5 years, planning to launch 19 new hotels across five states. These developments, spanning nearly 5 million sq. ft. , will target urban centers, pilgrimage sites, and transit hubs, integrating with Omaxe's existing projects. The expansion aims to bolster recurring revenue and cater to diverse travel needs, with a significant focus on Uttar Pradesh.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation is set to acquire a 40% stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India for Rs 85 crore, bolstering its presence in India's expanding value-added bitumen market. This strategic move, approved by DIPAM, aims to capitalize on the nation's infrastructure growth. Tiki Tar and Shell India, a manufacturer and marketer of specialized bitumen products, also exports to neighboring countries.

Life changes, people leave, and relationships end, but love doesn't disappear forever. A quote widely attributed to Franz Kafka reminds us that although loss is a part of life, love finds its way back in unexpected forms, through new people, cherished memories, self-love or fresh purpose, offering hope and healing after heartbreak. Read on to know why it feels relatable even after so many decades.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals has secured final USFDA approval for its generic Dapsone gel, a topical treatment for acne vulgaris. This approval, for the 5% strength, means the company can now market its version, which is therapeutically equivalent to Almirall's Aczone Gel. This development marks a significant step for Alembic in the US market, offering a new option for acne sufferers.

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.

Indian banks are poised for improved interest margins this quarter, thanks to the Reserve Bank of India's liquidity-boosting measures. These initiatives are driving down the cost of short-term funding, with certificate of deposit rates already seeing significant drops. Experts anticipate further easing, suggesting banks can now secure funds more affordably, directly benefiting their profitability and allowing for cheaper refinancing of existing debts.

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.