The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Oscar Wilde's timeless, iconic, darkly witty quote, Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes, offers profound insight into personal growth. Modern psychology affirms that failures, not perfection, forge wisdom. Our missteps, regrets, and unexpected turns are the true architects of character, transforming pain into valuable perspective. Embracing imperfection is key to a meaningful, evolving life.
Quote of the day by John Cena: John Cena emphasizes the vital role of loyalty and respect in building strong relationships, both personal and professional. He advocates for unwavering loyalty to those who reciprocate it, while urging universal respect, even for adversaries.
Psychology says people who set multiple alarms even when one is enough aren't always unmotivated or careless. Psychology suggests this habit may be linked to anxiety, fear of oversleeping, stress, poor sleep quality, or the need to feel prepared before starting the day. Understanding the reasons behind repeated alarms can help people improve sleep habits, reduce morning stress, and build a healthier daily routine.
India's established media giants like Yash Raj Films, Zee Entertainment, and Saregama are strategically investing in digital-first platforms and creator-led businesses. This move aims to capture the growing mobile-first audience by developing new intellectual property in micro-dramas and vertical content. These investments signal a significant shift towards embracing emerging entertainment formats to ensure future growth and relevance in the evolving media landscape.
Home sales experienced a notable dip in the June quarter, marking the slowest performance since early 2023. Persistent global uncertainties and supply chain issues have dampened buyer sentiment. Despite this, new project launches saw an annual increase, particularly in premium segments and infrastructure-driven areas. While most major cities saw sales decline, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru registered modest yearly growth.
NASA discovers extreme planet: Astronomers are witnessing an alien world's dramatic transformation thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope. HD 80606 b, a gas giant, experiences a staggering 1,100F temperature surge as it hurtles towards its star.
Europes severe heat wave is forcing many to finally consider home cooling, an idea they had long resisted for reasons ranging from socio-cultural factors to urban design and climate change.
Psychology says people who keep keys, phones, purse on the same place every day aren't simply following a routine without purpose. Psychology suggests this habit helps reduce mental effort, lowers stress linked to searching for everyday items, and supports better organization. The behavior may reflect planning, consistency, and habit formation. Experts also say this routine allows the brain to focus on more important tasks instead of repeated small decisions.
The framework will apply to all electricity sector data created and maintained by power generating companies, transmission licensees, distribution licensees, load despatch centres, regulatory commissions, government agencies including Central Electricity Authority, Grid India and power exchanges, among others.
Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic 95th-minute strike secured Brazil a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan, propelling them into the World Cup last 16. After falling behind to Kaishu Sano's solo effort, veteran Casemiro equalized for the five-time champions. The win sets up a knockout clash against Ivory Coast or Norway, with Brazil showcasing resilience despite a tough challenge from the spirited Japanese side.
The move marks the return of the Invesco-managed fund to the broadcaster's shareholder base, nearly three years after it exited the company. According to DPIIT data, the investment was received under the foreign direct investment (FDI) route for acquisition of shares during the January-March quarter of FY26.
India's banking sector is set to gain a powerful new weapon against digital fraud. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has initiated a pilot for an AI model that can detect and track stolen money in real-time as it moves across bank accounts. This innovative technology aims to intercept fraudulent transactions before funds vanish, significantly reducing losses for victims and bolstering the security of digital payments across the nation.
Car manufacturers are scaling back discounts on budget-friendly hatchbacks and entry-level models, indicating a robust recovery in mass-market demand following GST rate reductions. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors have significantly lowered or removed incentives on popular models like the Wagon R, Baleno, Tiago, and Punch. This shift reflects renewed confidence in affordable vehicles, with sales of smaller cars showing a substantial uptick.
The central bank's bond buyback saw a lukewarm market reception, attracting significantly less than the offered amount despite a liquidity deficit in the banking system. Banks held back, anticipating future inflows and preferring short-term papers. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year government bond yield dipped to its lowest since March, buoyed by falling oil prices and record overseas portfolio investments.
Quote of the Day by Bruce Willis: Bruce Willis quote, Who I am as a father is far more important to me than the public perception, explores the importance of family, authentic character, and personal values over fame or public opinion. The quote suggests that a person's true success is measured not by how they are viewed by the world, but by the love, responsibility, and example they provide to those closest to them.
Creditors seeking duplicate recoveries from group companies after a resolution plan is finalized will be disappointed, the NCLT ruled. JM Financial ARC's bid to recover more from KSK Mahanadi Power via guarantees was dismissed, as the tribunal found their admitted dues were already fully satisfied. This landmark judgment clarifies that approved resolution plans are binding, preventing further claims outside their scope.
Kumar (66), a seasoned public policy leader and financial sector reformer, is widely credited with playing a key role in revitalising India's banking and financial system during a period of significant stress between 2017 and 2020. During his tenure, he strengthened governance, risk management and regulatory oversight across banks by institutionalising specialised monitoring of large exposures and introducing technology-driven risk assessment systems.
Deep within the Mexican jungle, archaeologists have unearthed a remarkably intact Maya city, named Minanb, hidden for over a millennium. This remote discovery, found after a arduous trek, boasts unique carved stelae and altars, with one dating to 849 CE, offering crucial insights into the civilization just before its collapse. The site's intact nature promises significant revelations about Maya history.
India's leading retail broker, Zerodha, is making a significant move into investment banking. The company has applied to Sebi for a merchant banking license through its arm, Zerodha Corporate Advisors. This strategic expansion comes as the equity capital markets show strong potential, with experts noting ample room for new players possessing robust distribution and investor networks.
India's administrative data should be treated as a national asset to enhance policymaking and service delivery, according to Principal Secretary PK Mishra. He emphasized the need for integrated, secure data systems and strong governance frameworks for AI-ready datasets. Mishra stressed that while AI offers opportunities, it must not compromise the integrity of official statistics, which require trust, independence, and rigor.
Indian exporters shipping to West Asia will benefit from extended enhanced insurance cover against payment defaults until September 30, 2026. This move, part of the RELIEF scheme, aims to bolster trade amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis and mitigate logistics challenges. The enhanced risk cover, initially set to expire sooner, now provides continued support for exporters facing credit risks.
India's free trade talks with Israel and the GCC are temporarily paused, while discussions with Canada are progressing rapidly. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted these developments alongside ongoing negotiations with Chile, Mexico, SACU, and the Eurasia bloc. He also emphasized boosting India-Greece trade, targeting a doubling by 2030 through collaboration in shipping, clean energy, and technology. Meanwhile, FTA negotiations with the Maldives have commenced.
India's peak power demand is soaring above 250 GW due to lingering heatwaves, outpacing a sluggish monsoon. Authorities are preparing contingency plans, including maximizing coal power and potentially directing gas-based plants to operate at full capacity. With forecasts of below-normal rains, electricity consumption for cooling and irrigation is expected to remain high, especially in August and September, as the nation braces for potential supply challenges.
Orient Express, now a joint venture between French hotelier Accor and Louis Vuitton owner LVMH, set out to revive the 19th century travel brand. Its recently launched yacht is the first of two that will target the ultra-rich, adding to a portfolio of luxury hotels and a yet-to-launch historic art deco train.
Businesses producing items like toys, personal protective equipment, and air conditioners can now get product quality certification through a new alternative pathway. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has introduced these guidelines, allowing companies to demonstrate their technical prowess, compliance track record, and commitment to innovation and domestic supply chain strengthening. This move aims to streamline quality assurance for a range of essential products.
Domestic stainless steel makers are pressing the government to reinstate quality control norms from July 1, warning that a temporary QCO relaxation has fueled a flood of cheap imports. The Indian Stainless Seamlesspipes Manufacturers Association highlights that this influx, coupled with alleged anti-dumping duty circumvention, has crippled industry capacity to below 50%, jeopardizing local manufacturers. They urge immediate QCO restoration to curb substandard goods.
In a significant leadership shift, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has appointed Koteshwar L.N. as CEO of Oziva, its wellness nutrition brand. Koteshwar, with extensive experience from Marico, Flipkart, and Coca-Cola, will steer the wellness division amidst a surge in market interest. Additionally, his role extends to overseeing HUL's wellness portfolio, notably after acquiring a controlling stake in Liquid I.V.'s parent company, Zywie.
Haryana and Rajasthan have inked a historic pact for the Yamuna Water Project, a move that will finally implement a 1994 water-sharing agreement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah oversaw the signing, which promises to deliver Rajasthan's share of Yamuna waters via an underground pipeline. This initiative aims to address the critical drinking water needs of several water-stressed districts in Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone for both states.
Fuel stations can now freely sell petrol and diesel to all customers. The government has removed restrictions on bulk buyers purchasing fuel at retail pumps, a move effective July 1. This decision follows a significant drop in global oil prices, which has drastically reduced the price difference between bulk and retail fuel rates. Previously, soaring oil prices had led to supply issues at petrol stations.
As delayed soybean sowing unfolds in key Indian states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, concerns are rising over a potential shortage of domestic edible oil. The situation is further complicated by possible El Nio disruptions that could impact global production.
Consumers are encountering rising costs once more as tomato, onion, and potato prices escalate, heightening worries about food inflation. The surge in tomato prices, particularly in northern regions, can be attributed to extreme heat affecting both production and transportation.
Top officials from the Ministry of Higher Education and the National Testing Agency are set to brief a Parliamentary panel on lessons learned from the NEET-UG re-examination. Former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan will also present recommendations for strengthening the NTA. The committee will review the outcomes of the June 21 re-exam, which followed cancellations due to alleged paper leaks. The CBI is currently investigating the matter.
The organized dairy industry in India is on track to achieve remarkable revenue growth, anticipated at 13-15% this fiscal year. Increased demand for milk and its value-added products is set to outpace the rising costs of raw milk procurement, with companies likely to transfer these expenses to consumers.
A Microsoft employee's viral video showcasing a professional hair blow-dry during her lunch break has sparked widespread admiration. The perk, offered at the company's Ireland office, highlights Microsoft's commitment to employee well-being and creating a valued work environment. This thoughtful gesture has many wishing for similar benefits at their own workplaces, with some even considering job applications to experience such employee-centric perks firsthand.
New guidelines from DPIIT now offer companies an alternative pathway for product quality certification under ten selected Quality Control Orders. This new mechanism, detailed in the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, allows businesses to seek exemptions by providing comprehensive details on their goods, manufacturing facilities, and plans for developing supply chain capabilities in India. An Implementation Committee will assess applications without physical verification of ma
Paddy (rice), the main kharif crop, saw a decline of 25.17% to 2.57 million hectares. Despite the government's push to plant legumes and oilseeds, pulses sowing was down 30.48% to 1.49 million hectares, while oilseed acreage plunged 53.34% to 1.69 million hectares till June 25, according to the data.
HDFC Bank has appointed Puneet Sharma as its new finance chief, following his resignation from Axis Bank. Sharma, who will officially become CFO on December 1, 2026, brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Tata Capital and Citibank. His departure from Axis Bank, where he served as Group Head and CFO since March 2020, was announced on June 28.
A powerful German proverb, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,' offers timeless wisdom on overcoming life's adversities. It highlights how challenges, failures, and pain are not just obstacles but crucial opportunities for personal growth, building resilience, courage, and character. In our demanding modern world, embracing difficulties, learning from setbacks, maintaining a positive mindset, and persistently moving forward are key to emerging stronger and wiser from tough times.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory, deeming them a severe threat to regional peace and Afghanistan's sovereignty. These strikes, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties including women and children, have escalated tensions between the neighboring nations. New Delhi reiterated its unwavering support for Afghanistan's territorial integrity and conveyed condolences to the affected families.
The index is envisaged to encourage states/UTs to examine and improve their innovation environment and performance, which could further lead to improvement in India's overall innovation performance.
India's largest corporate houses are increasingly focusing on urban regeneration, shifting real estate focus from land acquisition to redevelopment. Giants like Reliance, Adani and JSW are aggressively bidding for projects involving old housing colonies and slum rehabilitation in Mumbai.
A significant reshuffle is underway in the finance departments of major Indian banks. Axis Bank and Bandhan Bank have seen their Chief Financial Officers resign, sparking speculation about future leadership. This follows another high-profile departure from HDFC Bank. Industry insiders suggest a potential move for one CFO to HDFC Bank, while another might step into the Axis Bank role, creating an unusual churn ahead of financial results.
India's future prosperity hinges on robust governance across public and private sectors, emphasized HDFC Bank Chairman Deepak Parekh. He highlighted that ongoing reforms are building a strong foundation for growth, with a call for further banking sector consolidation. Parekh also stressed the immense funding needs for domestic capacity building and the crucial role of self-reliance in a shifting global landscape.
An ancient Roman proverb, 'To place yourself under an obligation is to sell your liberty,' offers a timeless warning about the subtle ways freedom can be compromised. It emphasizes that accepting favors or debts, while seemingly helpful, can create hidden expectations that gradually erode personal autonomy. This wisdom underscores the importance of self-reliance and thoughtful consideration before entering into any commitment, reminding us that true liberty requires careful stewardship.
Germany vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming, Match Time, Venue, Lineup, Key Players and Team Preview: Germany faces Paraguay in a crucial Round of 32 World Cup clash on Tuesday, June 30, at 2:00 AM IST, following a surprising group stage defeat. Catch the action live on Unite8 Sports and stream it on the ZEE5 app. The match, held at Boston Stadium, sees Germany aiming to rebound against a determined Paraguayan side. Both teams' predicted lineups are available for fans.
The EU refused to be drawn into a heating political debate on the merits of air conditioning Monday, saying it was not for Brussels to micromanage how people cool their homes. Heating and cooling measures, as well as improving buildings' energy efficiency, were part of a new EU housing policy currently under development, Itkonen said.
Three public sector banks, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank, collectively disbursed Rs 7,023 crore in dividends to the government for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Canara Bank contributed Rs 2,397 crore, BoB Rs 2,811 crore, and Indian Bank Rs 1,815.05 crore. These payouts underscore the banks' robust financial performance and their dedication to national development goals.

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