The Economic Times

A Japanese proverb highlights how quickly time passes and opportunities vanish. Autumn days fall swiftly, much like a well bucket descending. This saying urges us to act on important matters without delay. Cherish present moments with loved ones and pursue goals now. Life's precious experiences can fade unexpectedly, so appreciate them.

Maruti Suzuki has opened bookings for the upcoming Brezza facelift. The updated compact SUV will feature a new 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. Exterior styling will see minor revisions and new alloy wheels. Inside, customers can expect a larger touchscreen and ventilated seats. The refreshed Brezza is expected to launch on July 24.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor flagged off the first fresh apricot export consignment to the UAE. This historic shipment marks a significant step for the region's horticulture sector and its farmers. Over one thousand metric tonnes of apricots are slated for export this season under a new agreement. The administration is also working to establish a world-class apricot processing unit within a year.

Native American proverb of the day: A Blackfoot proverb teaches that life and death are not separate but part of the same natural cycle. It suggests that every ending can lead to a new beginning, encouraging us to embrace life's constant and inevitable changes. By recognising the impermanence of all things, we can learn to appreciate ordinary moments more deeply. Reflecting the rhythms of nature, the proverb reminds us to live with gratitude and accept change as a natural part of life.

The Supreme Court voiced concern over student frustration with the CBSE's digital marking system. Justices noted systemic problems emerging within the digital evaluation process. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court about ongoing systemic issue reviews. A one-member commission is examining the evaluation system for necessary changes. The court requested an update on steps being taken by the CBSE.

The Supreme Court has given Odisha one month to decide on Dara Singh's remission plea. Singh is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murders of Graham Staines and his sons. He has served over 24 years and claims to have repented his actions. The state's sentence review committee has requested more time to gather necessary records.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar assured apartment owners of a new law. This comprehensive legislation will protect their ownership rights after stakeholder consultations. The government will also address developer and property document issues. The proposed Bhumi Guarantee aims to deliver Khata certificates without bribes. Infrastructure development and planned high-rise growth remain key government priorities.

The Delhi Cabinet has approved a new bill for citizen services. This legislation will make timely government service delivery a legal right. It replaces an older law with a modern, technology-driven framework. The proposed bill includes digital service delivery and automatic escalation for delays. An independent commission and penalties will ensure accountability and transparency.

Dr Pal found strict diets failed after his heart attack and obesity. A coach helped him change eating habits, not eliminate favourite foods. He learned portion control and flexible routines for sustainable lifestyle changes. This approach allowed him to enjoy food without constant cravings. His experience shows lasting weight loss depends on comfortable, long-term habits.

Instamart and HPCL launch India's first on-demand LPG cylinder delivery service. Consumers can now order HP Navya composite LPG cylinders via the Instamart app. This new service requires no existing domestic LPG connection for ordering. First-time orders are new cylinder purchases, while subsequent orders are refills. The partnership aims to enhance LPG accessibility through a digitally enabled platform.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Social Security Agreement mark a major milestone in bilateral ties, strengthening economic links and creating new opportunities for businesses and skilled professionals.

UP RERA has introduced new regulations for collecting maintenance security funds. Developers must now deposit these funds in designated bank accounts. Collected amounts will be invested in high-interest fixed deposits for safety. Promoters must transfer the entire corpus to the Residents' Welfare Association. These funds are exclusively for common area maintenance and repairs.

Quote of the day: Queen Elizabeth II believed a fulfilling life stems from unselfish service to others. She served as the longest-reigning British monarch for over seventy years. Her reign began in 1952 and concluded with her passing in 2022. She emphasized kindness and compassion throughout her extensive public service.

The US and China are engaged in a significant technology competition. Artificial intelligence and semiconductor chips are central to this ongoing rivalry. Export controls are intensifying the AI chip war between these nations. Global supply chains are being reshaped by this intense technological race. Other countries face opportunities and challenges from this evolving competition.

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global influence. He stated Modi is one of few leaders who can influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bartoszewski credited Modi with helping prevent nuclear weapon use in late 2022. He also endorsed India's diplomatic approach to West Asian tensions. Putin himself recently praised India's independent foreign policy and economic progress.

Arpan Kendras: Delhi government has launched Arpan Kendras at 10 metro stations to collect old clothes from residents and prevent textile waste from reaching landfills. The initiative will sort donated garments for reuse, upcycling and recycling while also creating livelihood opportunities for women-led self-help groups.

Eileen Lavine, a 101-year-old woman, maintains a sharp mind and active lifestyle. She credits her longevity to keeping her mind engaged with daily reading and puzzles. Lavine continues to work as a copy-editor, finding purpose in her professional contributions. She also prioritizes social connections, regularly engaging in games and family visits. Her routine demonstrates a different perspective on aging, focusing on mental and social vitality.

India has amended its Foreign Trade Policy to prohibit imports of goods made using forced labour. This move creates a legal framework for banning such products in the future. The United States is investigating India and other economies over similar alleged failures. India's constitutional obligation and international commitments drive this significant policy change.

Indian consumers are increasingly looking beyond prices and focusing on product labels, ingredients and nutrition details while making food choices. A Farmley report found that 62% of Indians now consider ingredient lists more important than celebrity endorsements, pushing food companies to improve transparency and reformulate products.

Benny Blanco revealed he initially wanted privacy for his relationship with Selena Gomez. Selena Gomez's question about going public changed his mind completely. The couple managed to keep their romance hidden for nearly nine months. Blanco prefers a private life and finds internet scrutiny challenging. They married on September 27 last year and value their supportive inner circle.

Anupam Rasayan India Ltd has signed a preliminary agreement with BasqueVolt SA. This non-binding letter of intent could generate USD 300 million in revenue. The deal explores supplying specialty chemicals for solid-state batteries over ten years. Anupam Rasayan's investments position it well for emerging electronic chemical opportunities. This agreement reflects the company's strategic push into the electronic chemicals segment.

Selena Gomez emphasizes knowing one's worth and pursuing happiness. She began her career as a child actor and became a global star. Gomez has released successful music albums and starred in films and television. She has also produced several notable projects throughout her career. Her achievements include numerous awards and Guinness World Records.

India's capital account surplus is expected to reach USD 105 billion in FY27. Stronger foreign capital inflows and improved portfolio investments will support this growth. Services exports and remittances provide a steady cushion against trade deficits. The current account deficit is projected to widen modestly to USD 60 billion. This will result in an overall balance of payments surplus of USD 45 billion.

Tata Group plans a significant 100 billion rupee investment in Kerala's shipbuilding sector. The state government is favorably considering the proposal and expects approval within a month. This move marks a new business line for the conglomerate, expanding its diverse interests. India aims to rapidly ramp up its shipbuilding capacity and strengthen global maritime trade. Kerala also seeks to expand its maritime value chain near key ports.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between India and the UK is now active. This pact aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and economic growth for both nations. Tariffs will be reduced on numerous goods, making them cheaper for consumers. Indian professionals will benefit from extended social security contribution exemptions. Businesses anticipate increased investment and opportunities across various sectors.

Chhattisgarh High Court ruled insurers are not liable before policy issuance. The court found the tribunal wrongly used Aadhaar for age determination. This decision enhanced compensation for accident victims and their families. The court revised disability assessment for an injured claimant significantly. The ruling clarified insurance contract commencement dates and age proof requirements.

Investigators have completed a cockpit voice recorder transcript for the fatal Air India crash. A psychological autopsy has also been conducted as the probe enters its final stages. The investigation focuses on the Boeing 787 crash which killed 260 people. Preliminary reports detail the backgrounds and flying experience of the two pilots. The court filing did not disclose specific findings or the autopsy subject.

Anne Hathaway's quote of the day captures life's purpose beyond mere survival. She believes joy and beauty are essential human necessities, not luxuries. Hathaway's early life and rise to stardom began with The Princess Diaries. Her upcoming projects include The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey. Hathaway's career continues to showcase her remarkable acting versatility.

Noida International Airport completes one month with mixed operational results. Flight counts have nearly tripled, and passenger footfall is climbing steadily. However, airlines are retreating from unprofitable routes due to connectivity issues. Connectivity improvements are planned, and the airport faces competition from a less saturated IGIA. The airport's initial struggles are linked to broader economic conditions and airline industry challenges.

Renault plans seven multi-energy models in India by 2030. The popular Duster SUV will help attract customers to new products. Preparations are underway for a Duster hybrid launch around Diwali this year. The company is significantly expanding its dealer network across the country. Renault is making substantial investments for a long-term commitment in India.

Boiling lemon peels and bay leaves creates a pleasant home fragrance through aromatic compounds. These natural ingredients release scents when heated, filling rooms with a citrus-herbal aroma. However, this method primarily masks odors rather than eliminating their sources effectively. Scientific studies on insect repulsion use concentrated oils, not simmered ingredients. The trend is a safe, inexpensive way to freshen homes, but not a substitute for purification.

India's air accident investigators are finalizing their probe into last year's Air India crash. The cockpit voice recorder transcript and psychological autopsy have been completed. The aircraft departed Ahmedabad and experienced engine issues shortly after takeoff. Fuel cutoff switches were moved to the cutoff position, causing engine power loss. The aircraft then lost altitude and crashed near the airport perimeter.

China's export engine is posting a large trade surplus, defying global challenges and trade tensions. Chinese exports climbed significantly in June, driven by tech and surging automobile sales. Europe faces immense pressure from these imports and rising energy prices. German automakers are particularly impacted, considering job cuts and reduced sales. Policymakers are now examining exchange rates as a potential solution to these economic imbalances.

Indian exporters can now ship over eleven lakh tonnes of steel duty-free to the UK. This benefit comes into effect through a new free trade agreement implemented on Wednesday. The agreement resolves previous steel safeguard measures which had become a major sticking point. India has secured robust market access and continuity for its steel exporters. This development paves the way for enhanced bilateral trade in steel products.

The median home price in the United States reached a record high of $408,776 in June. Affluent buyers are fueling demand, benefiting from stock market gains and cash purchases. This trend widens the affordability gap for first-time and middle-income households. Major cities like San Francisco and West Palm Beach also saw significant price and sales growth. High borrowing costs and rising prices make homeownership increasingly difficult for average Americans.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi Standing Committee elections will occur Wednesday. Voting for ward committee chairpersons and deputy chairpersons also takes place. The Bharatiya Janata Party holds an advantage in the Standing Committee contest. Several ward committee outcomes may depend on Congress councillors' votes. The elections aim to restore the civic body's decision-making panel.

Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, a new comedy-drama series, premieres on Prime Video on July 24. The show features Kay Kay Menon as a determined headmaster facing school challenges. He navigates obstacles and seeks success for his institution's students. Archana Puran Singh also stars in this hopeful and resilient community story. The series explores transformation through perseverance and unconventional methods.

Signature Global's net debt nearly doubled to Rs 390 crore in the first quarter. Sales bookings fell 25 percent to Rs 1,970 crore due to lower volumes. The company sold fewer units and less area compared to the previous year. However, average sales realization increased as they focused on luxury homes. Signature Global aims for Rs 10,000 crore in pre-sales this fiscal year.

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches hit an all-time high in the first quarter of FY27. Two-wheeler and three-wheeler dispatches also saw significant year-on-year increases. Commercial vehicles recorded their highest-ever first-quarter sales, reflecting broad growth. Supportive domestic demand and new models aided this strong industry performance. The sector anticipates steady demand entering the festive season.

Washington Sundar expressed happiness batting in various positions for India. He acknowledged coaches Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra for boosting his confidence. Sundar highlighted the team's benefit from multiple all-rounders contributing with bat and ball. He praised skipper Shubman Gill for anchoring the chase effectively. Pacer Gurnoor Brar also received praise for his crucial wickets.

South Africa's regulator approved Sun Pharma's generic semaglutide injection for diabetes. This approval allows marketing to supplement diet and exercise for adults. The company plans to launch the product soon in injectable pens. South Africa is the second market after India for this approval. This reflects Sun Pharma's commitment to improving access to generics.

TechnoSport launched a large warehouse in Bengaluru to enhance its national distribution capabilities. This expansion increases controlled warehousing capacity by 130 percent for retail and D2C growth. The strategically located facility will improve access to South India and western regions. The new warehouse stores 1.8 million products and processes one million units monthly. This move supports the brand's growing retail footprint and omnichannel ambitions.

Anil Menon NASA astronaut: Anil Menon, the first NASA astronaut of Malayali heritage, has reached the International Space Station (ISS) on his first space mission. Over the next eight months, he will conduct scientific experiments focused on human health, evaluate new medical technologies and support research into semiconductor manufacturing in microgravity. His mission aims to advance future space exploration while contributing to innovations that could benefit life on Earth.

Union Minister Rammohan Naidu reviewed Dholera International Airport's construction progress. Approximately eighty percent of the overall construction work has been completed. The airport is being integrated with a manufacturing hub and a green city. Multi-modal connectivity includes a six-lane highway and a high-speed rail corridor. The airport aims for operationalization by September or October this year.