The Economic Times

Governments are exploring ownership stakes in leading AI firms like OpenAI and Sarvam AI, signaling a shift in viewing artificial intelligence as a strategic national asset. This move goes beyond traditional regulation, aiming for a say in decision-making and ensuring public benefit from AI's immense potential. Such proposals suggest a new era of state-tech partnerships shaping future economic and security landscapes.

What is open and closed on July 3, 2026? US stock market, banks, USPS, NYSE and Nasdaq holiday schedule explained - Every few years, the calendar creates a small shift that catches millions of Americans by surprise. This year, that shift arrives with July 3, 2026, leaving many wondering: Is July 3 a federal holiday in 2026? The answer is yes. Because Independence Day 2026 falls on Saturday, July 4, the federal government officially observes the holiday on Friday, July 3.

Quote of the Day by Tom Hanks: Tom Hankss quote, But the battles against loneliness that I fought when I was 16 are very different from those I fought when I was 27, and those are very different from the ones I fight at 44, explores the evolving nature of loneliness and emotional struggle across different stages of life. The quote suggests that while loneliness is a constant human experience, its form, intensity, and causes change as a person grows older and gains new life experiences.

The government is accelerating its disinvestment and asset monetisation drive, achieving 31% of its full-year target in just the first quarter. This rapid pace, with weekly offers for sale, aims to bolster revenues amidst rising subsidy and import costs. Significant funds have already been raised from entities like Coal India and NHPC, with further big-ticket sales planned for LIC and IDBI Bank.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, referring to her as his younger sister during their joint press meet. The leaders reaffirmed India and Japan's Special Strategic and Global Partnership, unveiling initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation. Takaichi reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing a brother-sister bond in their shared vision for strengthening ties. The visit marks a significant step in their enduring friendship.

India has strongly condemned the reported demolition of a 125-year-old Sikh Gurdwara in Pakistan's Farooqabad, terming it a argeted act of vandalism. The Ministry of External Affairs urged Pakistan to investigate, restore the shrine, and bring perpetrators to justice, highlighting a pattern of attacks on religious minorities. The incident has raised grave concerns about the safety of minority communities and their places of worship in Pakistan.

Japan sees substantial prospects for enhanced collaboration with India on robust supply chains and the Indo-Pacific, acknowledging New Delhi's increasing economic influence. Both nations are grappling with the weaponisation of economies, making supply chain diversification a mutual priority. This shared challenge presents significant avenues for bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning the import of dual-use items.

N Ambika's life took a dramatic turn after witnessing a Republic Day parade, inspiring her to pursue the IPS. Despite marrying at 14 and leaving school early, she persevered, completing her education through distance learning. After three attempts and failures, Ambika achieved an All India Rank of 118 in the UPSC exam, becoming a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai.

Hollywood star Bradley Cooper's quote of the day is a profound perspective on ageing, suggesting that while the body may deteriorate, the soul flourishes. His personal journey through addiction and loss reshaped his views, leading him to value inner strength over external validation. Cooper's message offers a timely counterpoint to society's obsession with youth, encouraging a celebration of wisdom gained through life's experiences.

MIT's new DAAAM robot memory system marks a major advance in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional robots, it remembers objects with their location and time. Powered by AI and spatial memory, it answers natural questions in seconds. The breakthrough could improve robots in homes, factories, hospitals, and warehouses, bringing machines closer to human-like memory and real-world assistance.

Get ready for 'Jailer 2'! The much-awaited sequel starring Rajinikanth will hit theatres worldwide on October 15. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, this release strategically coincides with the Dussehra festivities, aiming to leverage the holiday weekend for maximum box office impact. Following the phenomenal success of the original 'Jailer', expectations are sky-high for this action-packed follow-up.

India's Adani Group and Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company are looking to invest $11.5 billion in a massive aluminum project in the eastern state of Odisha, the Indian conglomerate said on Thursday. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding with the Odisha state government, Adani said in a statement, with the proposed investment set to be India's largest foreign direct investment in the metallurgy sector.

Fuel prices might see a dip if international crude oil rates stay low for a few more weeks, according to Union Minister Hardeep Puri. Oil companies are currently using crude purchased at higher prices during the West Asia conflict, leading to past losses. However, sustained low global prices could pave the way for a reduction at the pump. India also plans to boost its oil storage capacity.

Dehradun's iconic Elloras bakery, established in 1953 by Krishan Lal Gulati, has become a culinary landmark. Born from a vision to employ skilled bakers left jobless after the British left India, Elloras now offers over 1000 products, including its famous butter toffees and a vast array of baked delights. This historic establishment continues to delight locals and tourists with its sweet and savoury creations.

Karnataka government has instructed electricity supply companies to object to Tata Power's entry into the state's power distribution business. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated the government opposes private sector involvement in distribution, blaming the previous BJP regime for policy changes. Tata Power has applied for five licences, excluding Bengaluru, and Escoms will inform the regulator of the government's non-concurrence.

US employers significantly slowed hiring last month, adding just 57,000 jobs, a stark contrast to previous months. This cautious approach signals lingering economic unease, despite a slight dip in the unemployment rate. Inflation remains high, and consumer confidence is low, prompting businesses to remain wary. While the economy shows modest growth, a slowdown is anticipated in the current quarter.

ENG W vs SA W 2nd Semi-Final Live Streaming: England faces South Africa in a thrilling ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Kennington Oval. The Proteas, boasting a formidable pace attack, aim for a third consecutive final appearance. Their strong performance in a tough group has positioned them for a shot at their maiden ICC trophy. The winner will face formidable Australia in the final at Lord's.

Flipkart has appointed Vinay Vaidya as Senior Vice President of Technology for its supply chain, bringing over two decades of experience from Amazon and Tata Digital. Vaidya will spearhead technology and innovation across key areas, including logistics and AI. This strategic hire follows a series of other significant senior appointments aimed at bolstering Flipkart's technological capabilities for future expansion.

Coal India Limited (CIL) reported a significant uptick in coal supplies, particularly to the power sector, during June and the first quarter of the fiscal year. This surge, driven by increased electricity demand, saw CIL deliver 51.44 million tonnes to power plants in June alone.

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. reported a marginal one percent increase in mined metal production for the first quarter, reaching a record 2,68,000 tonne. However, refined lead production saw a two percent dip to 47,000 tonne. Overall refined metal output grew by four percent to 2,60,000 tonne, with refined zinc production climbing to 2,13,000 tonne. Wind power generation remained steady.

Exciting news for aspiring Chartered Accountants! The ICAI has announced the CA Foundation May 2026 exam results will be out tomorrow, July 3rd, at 11:00 AM. Lakhs of students can check their performance on caresults.icai.org. Remember, a 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate are needed to pass. Get your login details ready!

India is set to host 11 major international sporting events in the coming six months, including the World Badminton Championships. Following past criticism of facilities, the Sports Ministry assures top-notch infrastructure, with the minister actively monitoring preparations. This comes as the nation aims to become an Olympic host and encourages National Sports Federations to bid for more global competitions.

Bengaluru's healthcare landscape has a new giant as Aster DM Healthcare and Blackstone-backed Quality Care India officially merged, creating a formidable entity. This integration unites four major brands, promising enhanced operational efficiency and procurement power. The combined network boasts over 10,600 beds across 39 hospitals in 28 cities, with ambitious plans for further expansion. Promoters anticipate this move will position the new company among India's top three hospital chains.

India will send Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to Iran for the burial ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The high-level delegation's presence highlights the strong civilisational and people-to-people ties between India and Iran, forming a solid base for their political and economic relations. The funeral events are scheduled across several Iranian cities from July 4th to July 9th.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes the European T20 Premier League is vital for cricket's global expansion, especially with its Olympic inclusion. Captain of the Dublin Guardians, Ashwin emphasized T20's viability over ODIs for growth. He also highlighted the league's role in nurturing Irish and Scottish talent, aiming to foster a culture of daily improvement.

Finding a snake or lizard inside the house is not exactly a rare experience in many Indian homes, especially in ground floor flats, older buildings, or homes near open land. While no plant is a guaranteed fix, some do have properties that snakes and lizards tend to avoid. Here are seven worth keeping around.

Vivek Waman achieved financial freedom and retired at 47 with Rs 15 crore, a feat he attributes to disciplined saving and consistent, patient investing over two decades in IT consulting. He advises young professionals to embrace lifelong learning and maintain a modest lifestyle to maximize savings and investments, emphasizing the power of long-term compounding for wealth creation.

Wimbledon's iconic strawberries and cream tradition gets a Delhi twist! Kuremal, a 120-year-old kulfi brand, has launched a limited-edition Strawberries and Cream kulfi, available during the tournament. This unique collaboration celebrates the classic Wimbledon treat with a beloved Indian dessert. Discover the fascinating history of Kuremal's kulfi, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a Delhi favorite.

Psychology says people who open their heart out to anyone at any place aren't always showing emotional security or trust. Psychology explains that sharing personal experiences without considering the situation can come from different emotional needs, coping styles, personality traits, or social habits. Experts say context, boundaries, and self-awareness matter. Understanding this behavior can help people build healthier communication, stronger relationships, emotional balance, and better decisio

Sunscreen for men, women: The two major types of sunscreens chemical and mineral handle the sun's ultraviolet rays differently.

Despite a dip in India's smart TV market early in 2026, the FIFA World Cup is driving sales of premium, large-screen televisions. Consumers are increasingly opting for bigger displays and advanced technologies like QLED and MiniLED, with events like the World Cup acting as a significant upgrade trigger. Easy financing also aids this premiumisation trend, even as overall demand remains cautious.

India's toy exports are poised for a surge following the finalisation of free trade agreements with the UK and the European Union, offering zero-duty access. Industry officials anticipate these pacts will unlock substantial growth, with the UK and EU markets currently representing 16% of India's USD 0.35 billion toy exports.

India's scorching summer has fueled a surge in consumer goods sales, with quick-commerce platforms becoming the star performers. Ice creams, cold drinks and skincare products saw massive year-on-year growth as shoppers embraced instant delivery for seasonal needs.

India's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, has stated that Indian companies are not directly supplying refined fuels to Russia. While reports suggested Moscow was importing gasoline from India to address shortages, Puri clarified that any Indian-origin refined fuel reaching Russia is likely through intermediaries. This distinction aims to address concerns about direct sales to Moscow.

Psychology says loving the color orange may reveal surprising clues about your personality, emotional strengths and the way you connect with others. Color psychology suggests your favorite color is rarely a random choice. Instead, it may reflect hidden patterns in your thinking, relationships and everyday decisions that quietly shape your life.

A Chandigarh consumer commission has ordered a Bathinda rooftop restaurant to refund Rs 129 in service charge and pay Rs 5,000 as compensation after it was found to have automatically added the charge to a customer's bill without prior disclosure or consent, in violation of Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines issued in 2022.

Psychology says people who like to go on trips with friends often aren't seeking only entertainment. Research in psychology shows that traveling with friends can strengthen social bonds, improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and create lasting memories through shared experiences. Group travel also builds trust, communication, and cooperation. Understanding why people enjoy these trips offers insight into friendship, mental health, and the role social connections play in everyday life.

Faridabad, once a quiet NCR real estate market, is poised for rapid transformation driven by the upcoming Noida International Airport. Improved connectivity, particularly the proposed Faridabad-Jewar Expressway, is expected to mirror Gurugram's early airport-led growth. This, combined with existing infrastructure upgrades and attractive pricing, is drawing significant interest from homebuyers and investors, signaling a new era of development for the city.

The Indian Army's Corps of Signals Dare Devils team has set a new world record inside the Atal Tunnel, traversing its length on two motorcycles with ten riders in under ten minutes. This historic feat, part of the 'Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti' expedition, honors Kargil Vijay Diwas and showcases exceptional military professionalism, precision, and teamwork at high altitude. The achievement underscores the Corps' commitment to adventure and national service.

India's public relations sector is poised for significant growth, projected to hit Rs 4,500 crore by 2030. While the overall growth rate is moderating, indicating industry maturity, key sectors like startups, education, government, and FMCG are showing robust gains. Notably, government and startup client shares have surged dramatically, reshaping the industry's landscape. AI investment is also on the rise, though strategies vary across firms.

AI's influence on online shopping is rapidly growing, with agents now completing tasks like purchases. Major platforms like Amazon, Swiggy, and Zepto are adopting distinct strategies. Amazon personalizes recommendations, Zepto automates customer support, and Swiggy aims for a future where apps are optional, with AI agents handling transactions directly. This signals a significant shift in how consumers will shop.