The Economic Times

Around 55.49 crore UPI users were onboarded by June 2026, Parliament was informed. UPI transactions reached 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value. NPCI International Payments is expanding UPI and RuPay to global markets. Security measures and international linkages enhance UPI's safety and reach. Government and regulators address fintech ecosystem issues and consumer protection.

Marvel Studios has officially released the first trailer for Avengers: Doomsday, offering fans their biggest look yet at the highly anticipated MCU film. The trailer features Chris Hemsworth's Thor leading the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Thunderbolts against Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, while also confirming Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers.

IndiGo has selected Honeywell Aerospace's avionics and power systems for 810 Airbus A320neo family aircraft scheduled for delivery in the coming years. Honeywell said the agreement is the largest new-aircraft selectable equipment contract in its history and will cover auxiliary power units, weather radar, collision avoidance systems, flight management systems, and aftermarket support.

In March this year also, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) had asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to adopt a precautionary approach in view of the evolving military situation and the increasing risks to civil aviation in West Asia.

African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of No matter how challenging a situation is, a person will always find comfort and solace in the arms of a loved one. The saying emphasizes the enduring power of love, compassion, and emotional support during life's most difficult moments. It reminds us that while hardships are unavoidable, the presence of caring family members, friends, or partners can provide strength, hope, and reassurance.

Scientists found ancient magma pathways beneath the Ontong Java Plateau. These preserved underground structures show massive volcanic activity over 100 million years ago. Seismic waves revealed magma-filled fractures, known as dike swarms, deep below the ocean. This volcanic activity reshaped Earth's lithosphere and altered surrounding mantle rocks. The findings offer new insights into how large volcanic provinces formed.

Greek proverb of the day: Greek saying emphasizes that actions reveal a person's true character. Professed beliefs gain meaning only when consistently practiced daily. Everyday choices and habits show whether individuals truly live by their values. This ancient saying encourages looking beyond mere claims to observe consistent behavior.

In a remarkable financial boost, India's central bank recorded significant foreign exchange inflows of $20.72 billion, primarily through a swap facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India. Out of this amount, Foreign Currency Non-Resident Deposits accounted for $17.41 billion. Meanwhile, External Commercial Borrowings contributed $1.34 billion, and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings brought in an additional $1.97 billion, enhancing the countrys economic standing.

Fresh herbs do more than enhance flavour. Many are naturally rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage and support overall health as part of a balanced diet. The best part is that several are easy to grow at home, even in pots or small spaces. From rosemary and oregano to basil, mint, sage and thyme, these herbs offer fresh harvests, culinary versatility and a simple way to add more nutrients to everyday meals.

Best Mexican proverb of the day: A Mexican proverb teaches that laziness and carelessness lead to repeated effort. The saying highlights how shortcuts often create more work in the long run. Proper attention to tasks saves time and energy for future endeavors. This wisdom applies to education, work, and personal responsibilities universally. Investing effort initially prevents future difficulties and ensures progress.

Quote of the day by Ashley Judd highlights the value of starting the day with passage meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection. Ashley Judd shares how memorizing prayers or poems every morning helps her stay mentally balanced and spiritually connected. The quote explains the importance of mindfulness, mental clarity, morning routines, and personal growth. It also offers life lessons that readers can apply in their daily lives.

Psychology says people who can't throw things away, even when those items no longer have practical value, are often influenced by emotional attachment, loss aversion, identity, ownership, and past investments rather than simple laziness or stubbornness. Most people experience these psychological tendencies at some point in life.

Over fifty police personnel sustained injuries during clashes with CJP protesters in New Delhi. The injured officers received medical attention after the situation was brought under control by authorities. Security forces employed a baton-charge near Parliament Street as protesters attempted to breach barricades. Thousands of Cockroach Janta Party members marched towards Parliament on Monday. Legal actions have been initiated against individuals involved in the violent confrontations.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia. This action follows recent attacks on Sanaa Airport and Abha airport. The rebels described the move as an 'eye for an eye' response. This maritime ban could pressure Saudi Arabia's oil exports. The threat comes after months of targeting ships in the Red Sea.

Delhi Police are investigating a viral drone video of protesters near Parliament Street. The footage's authenticity and drone operation circumstances are currently being verified. Legal action will be taken for any violation of drone regulations and laws. Thousands of protesters gathered demanding accountability over examination irregularities. Security personnel stopped the march, leading to clashes and baton charges.

Emcure Pharmaceuticals announced its brand Poviztra is now available for fatty liver treatment. This follows regulatory approval for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in adults. Poviztra contains innovator semaglutide manufactured in Europe by Novo Nordisk. The approval expands access to treatment for this progressive liver disease. This marks a significant milestone for patients with this serious condition.

An Indian man who has lived in both Norway and India said the biggest difference between the two is how children are raised, not wealth. Comparing the education systems, he said Indian students often lose their childhood to school, coaching and academic pressure, while Scandinavian children are encouraged to think independently, play and be creative. He urged policymakers to build a kinder education system where every child enjoys a real childhood.

Kuwar Kapur, who lost 62 kg by transforming from 142 kg to 80 kg, has shared the simple habits that helped him achieve sustainable weight loss. Instead of crash diets or intense workouts, he credits protein-rich meals, short walks after eating, daily weight tracking, cutting liquid calories and eating on a fixed schedule. He also recommends gradually increasing daily steps and focusing on consistency over motivation.

A bill to increase the Supreme Court's judge strength was introduced in the Lok Sabha. This move aims to address the significant backlog of pending cases in the apex court. The government believes enhanced strength offers a viable solution for judicial efficiency. An ordinance had previously raised the sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges. This legislative action requires a simple majority for its successful passage.

Your dog may not be barking at the window just because it's noisy outside. Veterinarians warn that one common household mistake can trigger protective behavior, stress, and repeated barking. Experts explain the simple change that could help your dog feel safer, calmer, and strengthen the bond you share every day.

School Assembly News Headlines Today July 21: Parliament faced disruptions as opposition demanded discussions on alleged paper leaks. Heavy rainfall hampered rescue efforts in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir. Spain secured both men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously. Rohit Sharma dismissed retirement speculation after his century at Lord's. P.V. Sindhu won her maiden Japan Open title after defeating Akane Yamaguchi.

Taking to X, an internal medicine expert warned people, especially elderly men not to ignore backache for long as sometimes, it can be a symptom of not common musculoskeletal issues but something more morbid.

A noticeable gap between credit and deposit growth is troubling the banking landscape. Consumers are shifting their savings from traditional deposits to diverse financial options. Amid geopolitical uncertainties and rising oil costs, companies are requesting more working capital loans. To alleviate this funding pressure, newly introduced FCNR(B) deposits could provide a short-term remedy. It is projected that savings will increasingly gravitate towards the five-year maturity category.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp has invited LNG suppliers to register for future deliveries. The company seeks both spot purchases and long-term supply agreements. HPCL operates an LNG import facility with significant annual capacity. India aims to increase gas's share in its energy mix. This move supports the nation's goal to reduce its carbon footprint.

The traditional Executive MBA is losing its dominance as learning needs change. New platforms offer short, practitioner-led programs for busy professionals. These programs provide direct access to experts who have solved real business problems. This shift reflects how quickly business knowledge now becomes outdated. Indian executives are redefining continuous learning for their evolving careers.

Smaller parties' Members of Parliament recorded the highest attendance during the recent Budget Session. Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal MPs achieved perfect attendance records. Larger parties like BJP and Congress showed lower average attendance figures. Regional parties dominated attendance rankings in the Rajya Sabha. This data offers insights ahead of the Monsoon Session debates.

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Uttar Pradesh. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected across several districts over the next 24 hours. Widespread monsoon activity will persist across the state for several days. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, providing relief from humidity.

Gitanjali J Angmo is leading Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protest after his hospitalization. She will lead the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament on July 20. Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike for three weeks. Angmo has remained by his side and taken charge of the campaign. She also serves as CEO and dean of HIAL.

The Karnataka High Court questioned the State Election Commission's separate voter roll revision. This exercise is being conducted in select Bengaluru wards while the Election Commission of India is doing it nationwide. The court sought clarification on the rationale and public expenditure for this parallel revision. Petitioners argue this creates duplication and avoidable costs ahead of city corporation elections. The matter was adjourned after the court requested further details.

Baby-like features, positive emotions, and curiosity, all help explain why pandas are so captivating. Psychology says people who love watching panda videos are often responding to universal psychological processes rather than expressing a unique personality trait.

Eleven Power has proposed investing over 4,700 crore to build a renewable-led electricity distribution network in Gurugram and Nuh, after applying for a parallel distribution licence from the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. The company said funding for the first phase is fully secured, but the project depends on regulatory approval.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar requested Canadian assistance for the Indus Water Treaty. He urged Canada to support India's immediate restoration of the treaty agreement. Dar stated India added a new dynamic to the volatile security situation. This action followed the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Pakistan seeks an end to the weaponization of water and adherence to international law.

Khalil Al-Hayya has been named Hamas's overall leader by the militant group. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who died in combat with Israeli forces. Al-Hayya, the exiled Gaza chief, became a central figure after Sinwar's death. Ismail Haniyeh was also killed in Iran in July 2024. Israeli officials reported Al-Hayya was targeted in a 2025 attack in Doha.

An Indian Army soldier helped a woman whose electric car ran out of battery. He pushed her vehicle to a charging station in the intense heat. The soldier remained with her for nearly thirty minutes until the car charged. He then escorted her safely out of the area on his scooter. This act of selfless assistance earned widespread social media appreciation.

CA Nitin Kaushik says most people fail to build wealth not because they earn less, but because they rely on motivation instead of systems. He explained that human psychology often leads to inertia and impulsive spending. Kaushik suggests automating investments and using financial tools with withdrawal restrictions to reduce dependence on willpower. According to him, the right financial architecture can turn consistency into a long-term wealth-building advantage.

Iran's president declared a full-scale war against the United States on Monday. Washington expanded its strikes across Iran, hitting cities and military bases. Iran responded with attacks in Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria, targeting military sites. Sailors abandoned a vessel after it was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the US are reportedly ongoing via mediators.

Quote of the Day: Kobe Bryant's quote A lot of people say they want to be great, but theyre not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness highlights the need for sacrifice to achieve greatness. Ambition alone is insufficient without dedicated effort and discipline and the quote of the day applies to students, professionals, and individuals pursuing goals.

Army Specialist Richard McKinley rests in a unique grave at Arlington National Cemetery. His burial involved a double lead-lined casket and concrete enclosure. This unusual preparation was due to radioactive contamination from the 1961 SL-1 nuclear accident. The accident was the deadliest military nuclear reactor incident in United States history. This event significantly improved nuclear safety procedures and reactor design standards.

In a recent ruling, the High Court dismissed a challenge against land acquisition for a Bengaluru township, reinforcing that it cannot interfere with the government's policy choices. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar refrained from making any statements regarding the verdict. In light of farmer protests, a committee is set to review the proposed project, while the government guarantees that the land status of unwilling farmers will not be affected.

Saina Nehwal praised PV Sindhu's improved attack and recent Japan Open victory. She believes champions like Sindhu can never be written off from winning more titles. Nehwal also expressed hope for consistency from younger Indian badminton players. India will host the Badminton World Championships which features capable medal contenders. Nehwal wished the Commonwealth Games contingent well despite some popular sports exclusion.

The government has not decided to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond twenty percent. Any future increase will follow scientific studies and industry consultations. India achieved the twenty percent blending target five years ahead of schedule. This program has saved foreign exchange and reduced carbon emissions significantly.

ZTA Group has established ZTA Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. as its primary construction entity. This new company will lead diverse projects across India's growing infrastructure sector. ZTA Infrastructure aims to build a strong project pipeline and institutional scale. The company plans to attract strategic investors for accelerated future growth. Ultimately, ZTA Infrastructure aspires to become a publicly listed company.

HDFC Bank has delayed recommending CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan's reappointment to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as its independent directors conduct an additional review, Reuters reported citing sources. The review is examining media reports alleging the bank offered preferential rates on certain large deposits, though sources said no wrongdoing has been found so far. The board is expected to decide after the review concludes, likely in early August.

June 2026 marked a notable five percent growth in India's core industries index, with iron ore production soaring to forty-three point nine percent. Significant growth was also observed in cement and electricity. Conversely, natural gas and crude oil outputs faced reductions. For the April-June 2026 timeframe, the total growth measured at three point six percent.

The Supreme Court gave Parsvnath Developers one final week to deposit homebuyers' dues. This deposit must include the entire amount along with twelve percent interest. Failure to comply will result in imprisonment for the company's directors. The court expressed strong displeasure with the real estate firm's actions. This order follows a twenty-year struggle by senior citizens for their homes.

Andy Burnham has officially become Britain's new prime minister today. He formally accepted an invitation from King Charles III to form a government. This ceremony marks the official transfer of power from the former leader. Keir Starmer was the previous leader of the governing Labour Party. Burnham replaced Starmer as party leader just last week.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda held initial formal discussions with Cockroach Janta Party members. The protesters conveyed their demands, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Talks occurred on a day the CJP called for a march to Parliament. Delhi Police increased security around Jantar Mantar ahead of the planned procession. The protest escalated after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike.