The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Companies are also putting fewer products on sale, signalling a shift away from aggressive promotions despite ongoing end-of-season sales, said industry executives. Electronics and smartphone brands have cut direct discounts on maximum retail prices, cashback offers and card-based promotions by 5-7 percentage points compared to last year, according to market tracker Counterpoint Research.
Quote of the day by Chris Pine highlights the importance of changing perspective instead of trying to control every situation. The quote explains how resilience, mental clarity, radical acceptance and emotional agility can help people deal with challenges. It also connects with the psychological idea of the locus of control, showing the difference between what people can control and what they cannot in everyday life.
Quote of the day by Cameron Diaz reminds people to value what they already have instead of worrying about what they lack. The message highlights self-appreciation, gratitude, confidence, authenticity and mental health. Cameron Diaz has often spoken about accepting natural aging and rejecting unrealistic beauty standards. Her words continue to inspire people to build healthier habits, stronger self-belief and a more balanced outlook on everyday life.
Life advice by Pel: Football legend Pel believed true greatness emerges during life's biggest challenges. He emphasized that performance under pressure defines exceptional achievement and separates good players. This lesson extends beyond sports, applying to careers and personal growth opportunities.
Aluminum foil serves as an effective tool for photographers by reflecting light and minimizing harsh shadows. By crumpling it, light is diffused, resulting in a more natural and soft illumination. Additionally, creating larger reflectors from cardboard and foil offers versatility for various shooting scenarios. This cost-effective technique enhances image quality, making it an invaluable alternative to pricey lighting setups for stunning portraits and product images.
Quote of the Day by J.G. Holland continues to inspire readers with a timeless lesson on success, hard work and personal responsibility. His famous words remind us that opportunity alone never creates achievement. Faith opens possibilities. Action turns them into results. It encourages purpose, resilience, self-belief and daily effort. The message remains relevant for students, professionals, entrepreneurs and anyone determined to build a meaningful life through consistent action.
Psychology says people who always speak their mind without thinking about the consequences aren't always being truthful, authentic or fearless. Psychology suggests this behavior can have different reasons, including impulsive thinking, low emotional regulation, a need for authenticity, or difficulty understanding social situations. This explainer looks at what psychologists say, which theories explain the behavior, what research has found, and the life lessons people can learn from this pattern.
Quote of the day by Charles Darwin: Charles Darwin expressed regret over neglecting poetry, music and the arts in later life. He believed that a balanced life requires both intellectual pursuits and creative enrichment. The demands of modern life often push aside simple joys and personal fulfilment. Darwin's reflection reminds us to make time for moments of quiet enjoyment, creativity and inspiration. His perspective suggests that a truly meaningful life is shaped by more than achievements alone
The Delhi High Court division bench refused to stay a judgment against Google. This ruling found the tech firm liable for trademark infringement concerning Hindware. Google appealed this decision, and the court sought a response from Hindware. The bench noted potential confusion from displaying competitor websites. Google's appeal for final disposal is scheduled for July twenty-fourth.
Aluminum foil shiny side vs dull side: The shiny and dull sides of regular aluminum foil cook food equally well. Manufacturing processes create the different appearances during rolling and polishing stages. Experts confirm both sides transfer heat identically, making the choice irrelevant for cooking.
Trai clarified that tagging and blocking calls from 1600 and 140 series numbers is not allowed. Subscribers can manage promotional calls from registered telemarketers using the Do Not Disturb registry. The 1600 series numbers are designated for service and transactional calls by financial sector entities. This clarification follows Truecaller's statement about not marking such calls as spam. Spam calls from these number series have reportedly surged significantly.
The Enforcement Directorate has frozen additional properties valued at 940.77 crore, escalating the total frozen assets to approximately 3,800 crore. A key suspect, Saurabh Chabdrakar, was apprehended in Oman while using a fake passport. Indian officials are working with the CBI to facilitate his extradition.
The evolution of human fingers showcases a fascinating variety of lengths tailored to specific purposes. This diverse morphology allows for both strong grips and intricate maneuvers, highlighting the adaptability of our hands. Genetic makeup and hormonal influences guide the formation of finger lengths in the womb, while everyday tasks enhance our dexterity. Together, these factors contribute to the remarkable functionality of human hands in a myriad of activities.
Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli saw a significant 29.6% deletion rate. This deletion rate is the highest recorded in the ongoing SIR Phase 3. Over 1.26 lakh names were removed from the electoral roll after enumeration. Affected citizens have until August 9 to submit claims and objections. This marks the highest deletion percentage in the current electoral roll revision.
Young Indian entrepreneurs are reshaping philanthropy with early and impact-focused giving. This generation deploys significant capital to social causes much earlier in life. They adopt an entrepreneurial approach focused on measurable outcomes and innovation. This shift reflects a generational change in the country's giving landscape. Many founders are actively shaping and witnessing their philanthropic impact firsthand.
Lionel Messi's scoring streak continues for Argentina in the World Cup tournament. The team has advanced through tough knockout matches, showing strong resilience. Argentina's remarkable camaraderie and team spirit are key to their success. They face a well-drilled Switzerland team in the upcoming quarter-final match. The winners will advance to face either Norway or England next.
Quote of the Day by James Stewart: James Stewarts quote, If I had my career over again? Maybe I'd say to myself, speed it up a little, explores the importance of taking opportunities, making confident choices, and valuing time. The quote suggests that even a successful journey can come with moments of reflection, where people wish they had acted sooner, embraced experiences faster, or pursued their goals with greater urgency. It highlights the balance between patience and action, reminding us th
France advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Morocco. Morocco adopted a defensive strategy which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored the decisive goals for France. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a penalty but could not prevent the loss. France will now face Belgium or Spain in their next match.
Psychology says people who start their day by sending Good Morning messages aren't always following a routine without meaning. Psychology suggests this habit can reflect social connection, relationship maintenance, emotional bonding, and positive communication. Many people send these messages to stay connected with family, friends, or colleagues. Research shows that regular positive interactions can strengthen relationships, improve emotional well-being, and help people feel connected throughout
Psychology suggests that people who laugh during serious situations are not necessarily being insensitive or disrespectful. In many cases, the laughter reflects an emotional response to stress, discomfort, or tension. Understanding the context and the reason behind the reaction is often more meaningful than judging the behavior on its own.
The Rolling Stones' new album, Foreign Tongues, delivers a fresh sound with blues and country influences. Mick Jagger's vocals show renewed energy, while Keith Richards provides signature guitar riffs. The record features a blend of classic rock and unexpected genre explorations. Guest musicians add notable contributions to several tracks on the album. Overall, Foreign Tongues presents a spirited and engaging collection of new music.
England faces Norway's scoring machine Erling Haaland in a Miami showdown. The Three Lions are favorites to reach the semi-finals after a classic win. Haaland insists all pressure should be on the English lads for this match. England's defensive issues will be tested by Haaland's seven World Cup goals. Both teams must contend with extreme heat and humidity in Miami.
iPhone 17 models are experiencing shortages across retail and online platforms. This surge is driven by expectations of price increases and reduced supply. Retailers are actively informing consumers about potential upcoming price hikes. Market trackers note increased demand for iPhone 17 models in the current quarter. Apple has recently increased prices on other product lines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic visit to New Zealand. This marks the first Indian prime ministerial visit in four decades. Talks will focus on strengthening economic and trade engagement between the nations. New Zealand expects significant business benefits from the new free trade agreement. The visit aims to deepen people-to-people connections with the Indian diaspora.
Subaltern cuisine is gaining popularity in Kolkata's gourmet dining scene. Traditional Bengali dishes are now being re-evaluated by younger generations. This shift reflects evolving societal norms and culinary preferences. Pice hotels are experiencing renewed interest from the bourgeois class. The food scene continues to evolve with new and old flavors.
Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA) is set to achieve substantial cost reductions and boost its production. By relocating operations from Therubali to Kalinganagar, the company aims for a remarkable output increase of nearly ninety percent over the next two years. The Therubali facility will repurpose to accommodate a new ethanol production unit, enhancing overall operational capabilities.
The country's stockpile of assets denominated in foreign currencies rose $7.26 billion to $674 billion in the week ended July 3, the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed. Of the total reserves, foreign currency assets increased $4.5 billion to $545.5 billion, while gold reserves increased $2.6 billion to $105.2 billion during the week.
The government is considering a nationwide retail consumption survey. This survey will gather granular data on consumer spending patterns. It aims to track retail sales of various goods across all business types. Digital payment data already shows robust spending across many retail categories. The ministry seeks to diversify official statistics with this initiative.
India significantly increased oilseed imports in April, driven by El Nino fears. Soybeans constituted ninety-five percent of these substantial oilseed purchases. This surge followed a domestic production decline and made imports commercially attractive. Industry experts noted the unusual jump in imports due to higher domestic prices. India relies heavily on imports for its edible oil requirements.
Supriya Sule publicly supported Sharad Pawar's meeting with the deputy chief minister, asserting that engaging with constitutional functionaries is a standard protocol. She referenced the post-split encounter between Uddhav Thackeray and Ajit Pawar, emphasizing that these discussions are crucial for addressing Maharashtra's pressing issues and enhancing communication. Additionally, Sule dismissed allegations regarding NCP-SP MPs defecting to other parties.
A GST Council proposal will protect buyers from losing input tax credit. This protection applies if suppliers fail to deposit taxes with the government. Buyers' credit will be safe if invoices are reported and payments are made through banking channels. Tax authorities will pursue defaulting suppliers for recovery instead of penalizing purchasers. This significant shift addresses a long-standing industry demand and is expected soon.
The National Investigation Agency has officially charged six leaders from the Hurriyat Conference, with allegations stemming from a violent incident in Srinagar back in 1996. This charge sheet was submitted to the NIA court in Jammu on Friday. The case was transferred to the NIA following directives from the home ministry in April 2026, and it includes serious accusations of criminal conspiracy and assault on public officials.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated his party seeks protest permission. The National Conference announced a sit-in protest in the national capital. This demonstration is planned for July 20, Parliament's monsoon session opening day. The party aims to press the Centre for restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. However, Abdullah alleged some people are trying to sabotage their plan.
India has notified importers on seeking government approval for duty concessions. This agreement allows reduced import duties on automotive imports from the UK. Conventional engine passenger cars will see duty reductions with specific quotas. Electric and hybrid cars from the UK will gain duty-free access later. Importers must obtain certificates of origin and pre-purchase agreements.
The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged murder trial in Maharashtra, criticizing the slow pace at which it is proceeding. An accused foreigner has been in jail for over four years with limited witness testimonies. The court pointed out the state's inadequacy in managing trials effectively, emphasizing the troubling delay in judicial actions, which has exacerbated the disparity between incarceration and case development.
Australia and India have joined forces to establish a dynamic sports collaboration roadmap at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This initiative aligns with India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Psychology suggests that people who love getting wet in the rain aren't necessarily impulsive or reckless. Sometimes happiness isn't found by escaping the rain. It's found by allowing yourself to experience it.
Heavy rains disrupted normal life across Himachal Pradesh on Friday. One person died and two others sustained injuries in separate incidents. Roads were blocked and bridges were damaged by the torrential downpour. The Shimla Met office issued a yellow warning for heavy rains until July 15. Telecom services were disrupted, activating an Intra-Circle Roaming facility.
Quote of the Day by Joan of Arc: Joan of Arcs quote, One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying, emphasizes the importance of living with courage, conviction, and authenticity. The quote suggests that remaining true to your beliefs and values gives life meaning, while abandoning your identity or principles out of fear, pressure, or convenience leads to a life without purpose
A litigant was removed from the Supreme Court after disrupting proceedings. He aggressively ordered judges and threw case documents in the courtroom. Security personnel intervened swiftly to escort the man out of the premises. The incident occurred during the hearing of his plea challenging a high court order. Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe were hearing the case.
Quote of the day by Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria reigned as the United Kingdom's monarch for many years. She became queen in 1837 and her reign defined the Victorian Age. Victoria's early life was shaped by a strict system which isolated her. She learned to rule independently after her accession to the throne.
FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule for 11 July: Spain and Belgium meet in a vital FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match. The winner will advance to face France in the semi-finals. Spain enters the contest as tournament favorites with strong defensive discipline. Belgium has shown impressive form, defeating the United States convincingly in their last match. Football fans in India can watch the game live on Unite8 Sports and DD Sports.
India successfully concluded Operation Amistad, its humanitarian mission to Venezuela. Two Indian Air Force aircraft transported a medical contingent and essential supplies. The field hospital provided critical medical assistance to hundreds of affected people. Over eight thousand medical procedures and investigations were conducted during the mission. This operation underscored India's commitment to partner countries in times of need.
Following the Ajit Pawar plane crash incident, authorities have stated that further actions will be taken only after a comprehensive report on the event is submitted and thoroughly reviewed. The investigation is ongoing, and all necessary details are being gathered to understand the cause and circumstances of the crash.
Is Your Dog Happier With Your Time Than Gourmet Treats? Veterinary behavior experts say dogs understand actions, not emotional words. With nearly 94 million U.S. households owning pets, building trust has become a top concern for dog owners. Small daily habits matter most. Positive training, quality time, gentle touch, predictable routines, and sniff-friendly walks help dogs feel secure, reduce stress, strengthen emotional bonds, and improve lifelong behavior.
New directives from the Union home ministry detail singing national and foreign anthems. Audiences must stand when the national anthem is played, except during films. State songs will be sung after the national song and before the national anthem. Foreign anthems are played first, followed by India's national anthem at receptions. Cultural festivals allow foreign anthems to precede India's national anthem.

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