The Economic Times

Jharkhand government officials met with protesting job aspirants on Saturday. The meeting occurred as Devendra Nath Mahto's fast entered its seventh day. Protesters demand cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination. They also seek an independent probe into alleged irregularities. Massive protests have occurred in Ranchi over the past two weeks.

South Africa marks seventy years since the 1956 Women's March against apartheid laws. Many women still face significant gender-based violence and economic inequality today. The Women's Jail, now a museum, honors activists who fought against oppression. Paralympic champion Kgothatso Montjane acknowledges the paved path for current generations. The past's lessons guide South Africa's ongoing journey toward true freedom and equality.

Proposed US sanctions legislation makes India's trade deal with the United States more critical. Any disruption to crude supplies could raise India's import bill significantly. This situation may pressure the Indian rupee and impact the current account deficit. India will need to assess crude imports depending on ongoing US negotiations. The outcome of these talks will determine India's future energy import strategies.

Gujarat is studying Maharashtras legal and technology reforms as it prepares to amend its public trust law and improve oversight of charitable institutions.The state has around 1 lakh dormant, defunct or inactive trusts that are no longer carrying out their stated charitable activities.

Cricketer Rishabh Pant has reached out to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for his help in securing land to build his first home in his home state. After three years of seeking suitable property, Pant aims to settle down and contribute to the development of Uttarakhand. He emphasized his desire to purchase the land at government rates, demonstrating his commitment to his roots.

2026 Independence Day: Businesses established by Partition refugees have become integral to Delhi's identity. Moti Mahal restaurant began its journey in Peshawar before relocating to Daryaganj. Bahrisons Booksellers started in Khan Market with a small collection of books. Frontier Biscuits originated in Hoti Mardan and later opened in Sadar Bazar. These enterprises showcase resilience and the ability to rebuild livelihoods.

A WhatsApp message initiated the CBI's investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Investigators used app logs and a WhatsApp group to track students and identify question setters. Chemistry professor PV Kulkarni allegedly shared questions after memorizing them from NTA preparations. Physics paper was leaked separately by another NTA panel member for a fee. Leaked papers were transported to Rajasthan and circulated as mock tests by coaching centers.

With romance, comedy, crime and mystery all making their way to OTT this week, there is plenty to choose from. Whether you want a light office romance or something with a little more action, these five K-dramas offer different ways to spend your binge-watching hours. Read on to know when and where to watch these K-dramas

A private bus overturned and fell onto a lower road in Chamba district, killing seven passengers. Eleven others sustained injuries in the accident which occurred near Chalunj Mor on Saturday morning. Locals immediately rushed to assist and informed the police about the developing situation. Rescue operations are currently underway with multiple agencies involved in the search.

Ashish Yadav secured a silver medal in the men's javelin throw event. His throw of 74.09 meters opened India's medal account at the championships. T Dharanidharan finished sixth with a throw of 72.35 meters. South Africa's Jan-Hendrik Heymans claimed the gold medal with a throw of 80.50 meters. Yadav became the second Indian to win silver in this event.

India's natural gas consumption recovered to near pre-disruption levels in June 2026. This recovery was broad-based across key sectors, indicating positive demand growth. Imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption rose significantly, increasing India's import dependence. City gas distribution and miscellaneous users led the demand increase during this period.

Cricketer Rishabh Pant has appealed to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister for assistance in acquiring land. Aspiring to shift from Delhi to his native state, Pant has faced three years of challenges in securing land. He plans to construct his first home and contribute positively to Uttarakhands progress, indicating a readiness to buy government land at prescribed rates.

Bay leaves have taken social media by storm as users add them to their phone cases, believing it brings fortune and positivity. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman cultures where bay leaves symbolized success, this practice is thought to attract good vibes and ward off negativity. It's important to position the leaf carefully, keeping it away from phone parts, though scientific research does not validate these beliefs.

Kanwar camps in Meerut are providing a wide variety of food options for devotees. These camps are mixing traditional dishes with modern cuisine, all prepared without onion and garlic. Some camps are utilizing machines for food preparation and have declared themselves plastic-free. District authorities are continuously inspecting these private camps to ensure quality and hygiene standards. The UP government stated that full-day meal schedules are arranged for all kanwariyas.

Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids across five districts on Saturday. These searches targeted suspected terror-related activities and radicalization networks. Officials seized electronic devices and other incriminating material during the operation. The investigation is proceeding based on a registered FIR at CIK, Srinagar. Recovered items will undergo forensic examination for further analysis.

Rains persist across Kerala, prolonging waterlogging and inundation in many districts. Moderate rainfall is forecast for isolated places in seven northern and southern districts. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, indicating very heavy rainfall is expected. Holidays were declared for educational institutions in eight districts as a precautionary measure.

Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported to Australia for the first time. This significant shipment of eighteen metric tons directly benefited local farmers in Darbhanga. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority facilitated this historic sea route export. Modern facilities are preparing Bihar's agricultural products to meet global quality standards.

David Beckham often shares his country garden, featuring roses and vegetables on his Instagram handle. He learned a simple trick for planting roses from his social media followers. His garden also includes plum trees, potatoes, and chickens which require protection. Read on to know about his gardening hacks.

The United Nations voiced concerns regarding the security situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. UN officials emphasized the need for accountability for actions against peaceful protesters. The High Commissioner for Human Rights urged investigations into protester deaths and bans. Restrictions on internet access and public gatherings were also highlighted as violations. Authorities were urged to ensure internet access and engage in inclusive political dialogue.

As we approach Independence Day 2026, it's a chance to write about the journey of freedom in contemporary India. Students can create essays and speech ideas about the legacy of our freedom fighters, reflecting a deeper appreciation for the struggles that led to our current freedom. Engaging discussions will also focus on India's remarkable milestones since independence, highlighting the essential role of young voices in crafting a vibrant and hopeful future.

Fragile 8mm film reels from the early days of cinema in Manipur are currently in the process of being preserved. This international initiative aims to protect the states visual heritage, honoring early filmmakers such as Maharaj Kumar Priyabrata Singh, who extensively documented Manipuri life. The efforts led by the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum are vital in ensuring that the cinematic legacy of Manipur endures.

Saba Pataudi recently recalled the wedding of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh. She shared how Saif's siters were young and in school when the news broke. The nuptials were intimate and unplanned, but the couple ultimately parted ways after thirteen years together. Read on!

A parliamentary panel urged DRDO to finalize clear performance indicators for projects. It also recommended strengthening ex-servicemen welfare and educational support for their families. The committee desires a comprehensive study on expanding educational opportunities for defense personnel's children. Migration of ECHS applications to the National Government Cloud is a welcome initiative. The panel strongly recommends increasing the defense research and development budget.

The Allahabad High Court granted parole to Atiq Ahmed's jailed sons. They will attend their brother Abaan Ahmed's funeral under police custody. The court directed the Uttar Pradesh DGP to ensure their security. Abaan Ahmed and his friend Sonu died in a vehicle accident. Their mortal remains were brought back to Prayagraj after post-mortems.

Renu Dhariyal from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, has achieved a new Guinness World Record for her exceptionally long hair. Her hair measures an impressive 271.5 centimeters, surpassing the previous record holder from Ukraine. Renu stopped cutting her hair in 2015, inspired by traditional Indian views on beauty and identity. She maintains her hair using homemade oils and shampoos, avoiding chemical-based products.

In a candid conversation, actor R. Madhavan shares his views on embracing natural grey hair and the art of aging gracefully. Drawing inspiration from veterans like Rajinikanth and Ajith Kumar, he emphasizes personal growth and honing his craft. His latest role as GD Naidu in the biopic G.D.N. showcases his commitment to exploring varied character arcs and narratives.

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, starring Kangana Ranaut, focuses on hospital staff during the 26/11 attacks. The film shifts attention to the extraordinary courage of ordinary hospital workers. It shows how doctors and nurses cared for patients amidst the terror. This film will premiere is all set for its digital debut. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.

American sci-fi psychological thriller The Last House tells the story of ancient creatures from the ocean that emerge after years of human pollution. They trap a family inside their home for five years, forcing them to find creative ways to survive. Over time, Ruth develops a connection with the creatures and helps her family understand that they are not simply enemies. The story ultimately becomes a lesson about understanding nature and learning to coexist. Read on to know what happened at the

Indian manufacturers are airlifting components to ensure festive season production continuity. Sea freight delays and congestion are making ocean shipping unreliable for these companies. Air freight costs are significantly higher, but timely supplies are crucial for demand. Companies are absorbing some increased costs to avoid impacting sales recovery. Logistics partners are exploring innovative routes to manage ongoing disruptions.

India's exports of key metal intermediates are experiencing a significant surge. Aluminium alloy exports climbed twenty-four percent, reaching one point two nine billion dollars. Insulated copper winding wire exports accelerated fifty-eight percent, with the United States as a leading destination. Refined lead exports also rose fifty-six percent, driven by Asian market demand. These gains reflect India's growing integration into global manufacturing supply chains.

Quote of the day by Heraclitus says, The world is nothing but a great desire to live and a great dissatisfaction with living. The saying explores human behavior, desire, dissatisfaction, inner tension and the struggle between what people want and what they experience. Heraclitus connected change, opposites, fire and logos to his view that life remains in motion through opposing forces.

Brain aging research: Older honeybees showed renewed learning abilities after changing social roles. Scientists observed significant molecular changes within the brains of these bees. These changes included specific proteins also found in humans. The findings suggest brain aging may be more flexible than previously thought.

Proximo is among the last major global spirits companies to establish a direct India operation. Most of its international rivals are already present in India, which ranks among the largest markets by volume for Diageo and Pernod Ricard, among others.

LIC said the governments 31,552-crore offer for sale reflects investor confidence and helped achieve 10% public shareholding. The insurer will focus on growth, margins and distribution, while the government must raise public shareholding to 25% by 2032.

The government is exploring a new incentive scheme for polysilicon manufacturing. This initiative aims to bolster domestic production capabilities within the sector. Currently, a production-linked incentive scheme supports solar module manufacturing. That program covers modules, cells, ingot-wafers, and polysilicon production. This new exploration follows earlier discussions on supporting polysilicon manufacturing.

While issuing notice to the government and Fssai, Justice Amit Mahajan said Dabur has made out a prima facie case for grant of stay of Monday's ban order, as such sudden restrictions could not have been imposed without issuing a show-cause notice or hearing the company.

Diageo is taking a bold step by designating India as a distinct operational region, separating it from the Asia-Pacific hub. This strategic choice is driven by the projected growth in India's spirits market. In tandem, the company is revamping its packaging network for Indian spirits, which is set to yield significant and recurring cost savings.

The sector's rising cash burn, coupled with the relatively limited size of the addressable market, is beginning to concern investors tracking the space. The category is economically viable primarily in urban catchments, where high order density supports efficient fulfilment and worker utilisation. Expanding into lower-density neighbourhoods is significantly more challenging, another industry executive said.

A competitive tariff of 5.25 per unit was discovered for round-the-clock renewable energy. This price emerged from a tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The discovered tariff aims to compare with firm power sources like thermal and nuclear. Renewable energy must be supplied reliably on a round-the-clock basis. This development highlights the growing competitiveness of renewable energy sources.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has approved four new pension funds. This expansion aims to increase non-government NPS subscribers significantly over five years. Digital initiatives are expected to attract millions of new subscribers annually. PFRDA emphasises accessibility and simplified onboarding for broader pension coverage. Conservative schemes have delivered strong annual returns, building on past successes.

FSSAI has secured an order against AWL Agri Business for substandard fortified sunflower oil. Laboratory tests found the product failed to meet prescribed vitamin fortification standards. A penalty was imposed after tests revealed vitamin levels were below prescribed standards. This rendered the product substandard under the Food Safety and Standards Act. FSSAI did not disclose the specific penalty amount imposed.

Non-banking finance company credit grew 14.4 percent year-on-year in June. Retail loans saw the fastest expansion, increasing by 20.3 percent. Housing and vehicle loans, and gold jewellery loans showed robust growth. Credit to industry expanded by 6.7 percent, while services sector credit grew 17.6 percent. Agriculture and allied activities credit increased significantly by 17.9 percent.

Quote of the day by Christopher Walken says, At its best, life is completely unpredictable. The line looks at uncertainty as part of life. It suggests that people cannot plan every event or outcome. The quote encourages people to accept change, remain open to unexpected experiences, value the present and adjust when plans change.

Shakespeare's timeless insight sheds light on how fragile reputation is in today's world. Public opinion can easily elevate or tarnish an individual's status without justice. This guidance advocates for a commitment to integrity and sincerity in daily life. Authentic self-worth and character are not dictated by others' views, urging us to cherish genuine growth over transient applause.

Vikas Khanna has become a true-blue sensation in the world of cuisine today. His restaurant, Bungalow, which is located in NYC, is one of the most thriving eateries in the US. However, one heartfelt compliment from superstar Shah Rukh Khan has remained with him over the past few years.

Bihar government informed the Supreme Court about minister Deepak Prakash's MLC nomination. He has now taken his oath as a Member of the Legislative Council. This development addresses the plea seeking his removal from the ministerial post. The court was informed that Prakash is no longer barred from continuing as minister. His nomination ensures he meets the constitutional requirement for holding the position.

Brics trade ministers finalized their Economic Partnership 2030 strategy and adopted a joint declaration. They agreed on the Jaipur Consensus and Guiding Principles for MSME credit. This aims to close the trade finance gap and expand small business access. The declaration also supported a rules-based multilateral trading system led by the WTO. Ministers advanced market opening and economic diversification among member nations.