The Economic Times

Commonwealth Games 2026 Schedule India Today: India aims to expand its medal count on day two of the games. Swimmers and boxers will begin their competitive campaigns today. Para powerlifters are also poised to compete for medals in their events. Lawn bowls and gymnastics also feature Indian athletes in action. Viewers can catch the action live on Sony LIV and television.

Activist Amit Bhatnagar has ended his 18-day hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the rehabilitation and compensation of families displaced by the Ken-Betwa river-linking project and other irrigation schemes in Madhya Pradesh. His fast ended after his mother persuaded him following his discharge from hospital, while the administration said it would examine complaints and the activist welcomed the decision to conduct a fresh survey and joint inquiry into the allegations.

Flash floods in Rajouri have severely damaged local power infrastructure, washing away and damaging many transformers. Power Development Department authorities are working around the clock to restore electricity to affected areas. Additional manpower and local residents are assisting in the challenging restoration drive.

Devshayani Ekadashi in 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25, dedicated to Lord Vishnu worship. Devotees will observe a strict fast and perform prayers for peace and prosperity. The Ekadashi tithi begins on July 24 and concludes on July 25. The fast breaking ritual, known as Parana, will occur on Sunday, July 26. This sacred day involves specific puja rituals and adherence to a Sattvik lifestyle.

Secretary Rubio expressed the Trump administration's commitment to ending the Ukraine war. He acknowledged that diplomacy requires sustained effort and new ideas for resolution. Discussions also focused on escalating fighting in the Middle East and South China Sea. China defended its maritime military actions while the Philippines reported harassment.

Weather Today July 24: India Meteorological Department forecasts widespread monsoon activity for July twenty-fourth. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in western, northern, and northeastern regions. Several states including Maharashtra and Gujarat will likely experience intense showers and thunderstorms. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai anticipate cloudy skies with intermittent rain. High humidity and moderate temperatures will prevail across the country.

Iran has executed dozens of political prisoners since the war began. Activists fear intensified executions to instill societal fear and silence dissent. Hundreds of political prisoners and protesters currently face capital charges. Many inmates protest executions for drug-related charges and murder. The nation remains a prolific executioner, second only to China.

The Ramayana film trailer launch was unexpectedly postponed from its planned July 24 global release. Producer Namit Malhotra announced this change via social media, surprising many fans. The film has also officially partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment for its global distribution. The team still presented footage at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as planned. Read on!

HSBC will sell its Singapore life and health insurance business to Allianz. This deal is valued at S$2.7 billion and is expected to close in early 2027. The sale will help HSBC simplify its operations and focus on core markets. Allianz gains a significant expansion opportunity in Singapore's regulated market. HSBC will continue distributing insurance products through a 15-year bancassurance agreement.

Salman Rushdie described his near-fatal stabbing during a terrorism trial. He recounted the ambush which occurred on an amphitheater stage four years ago. The author detailed his injuries and lengthy recovery process. His attacker, Hadi Matar, faces federal charges for the assault. Matar has pleaded not guilty to the terrorism-related accusations.

President Trump vowed major military punishment for Iran and its Houthi allies. Houthi fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Global oil prices surged significantly after the attacks on shipping routes. Iran also reported missile strikes on U.S. military sites in Jordan and Kuwait. These escalating events raise fears of wider economic disruption and conflict.

The United States has imposed 10% tariffs on goods from India and sixteen other nations. This action stems from their alleged failure to ban imports made with forced labor. India amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit such imports after the investigation began. Trading partners adopting and enforcing these prohibitions will face a 10% tariff rate. This move aims to address human rights abuses and distortive trade practices globally.

Jana Nayagan, Vijay's final film, opened with strong box office collections on Thursday. The movie failed to collect Rs 100 crore at the worldwide box office. This performance, however, did not surpass Vijay's previous film collections. The film's weekend performance will be crucial for its overall success. Vijay is now focusing on politics full-time after this release. Read on!

Quote of the day by Demi Lovato offers a timeless lesson about perseverance, discipline, and hope. Demi Lovato reminds us that meaningful growth is built through consistent effort rather than occasional motivation. The profound quote serves as an inspiring reminder that every positive habit, every responsible decision, and every small step forward contributes to lasting progress. Whether pursuing better health, stronger relationships, career success, emotional resilience, or personal fulfillment

Quote of the Day by Matt Damon offers timeless guidance for navigating modern life. Matt Damon reminds us that authenticity is not only liberatingit is also practical. Genuine confidence, meaningful relationships, creative success, and emotional resilience all grow more naturally when people stop pretending and start embracing who they truly are. Matt Damon's quote serves as a refreshing reminder that lasting success begins with self-acceptance. While trends, expectations, and public opinions co

The restrictions on foreign investment in inventory-based ecommerce will not apply in case of exports of domestically manufactured and/or produced goods/products, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a Press Note. The government has been considering this since last year in a broader effort to boost Indias exports without impacting the businesses of small retailers, people aware of the matter said.

Indian refiners are seeking alternative crude oil suppliers amid regional conflict. They are exploring new sources from Venezuela and Angola to ensure supply. Escalating attacks have disrupted vital shipping lanes and increased oil prices. Refiners are considering rerouting shipments around Africa to avoid the Red Sea. This shift will significantly lengthen journey times for crude oil deliveries.

Quote of the day by Aristotle continues to inspire people by showing that learning is one of the greatest sources of happiness. The famous philosopher believed knowledge gives lasting satisfaction that material rewards cannot provide. His words encourage curiosity, continuous growth and practical wisdom. The quote remains relevant for students, professionals and lifelong learners who want to improve their understanding of the world and build a meaningful life.

Psychology says people who are ready to rebuild their lives at any moment aren't driven only by sudden decisions. This mindset often reflects adaptability, emotional recovery, and the ability to accept change. Psychological theories and research suggest that some people recover from setbacks by adjusting their goals instead of holding on to situations that no longer work. Understanding this behavior can help people respond better to change and future uncertainty.

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor reported strong international sales in the June quarter. This marks a significant turnaround for India's two-wheeler export market. Total motorcycle and scooter exports rose nearly thirty-seven percent year-on-year. Demand across Africa, Latin America, and Asia is powering this export growth. The domestic market also shows resilience, aided by recent GST reductions.

India is set to cross 300 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity soon, with current capacity at 297 GW, accounting for over half of total installed power. The government targets 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 as part of its clean energy push. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is expected to cover over 5 million households in the coming weeks, boosting rooftop solar adoption.

Bira 91 is currently exploring options for selling founder Ankur Jain's stake, with its board and investors actively pursuing potential buyers. They have reached out to various family offices and corporate entities to facilitate the sale. To resume operations, the company estimates an infusion of approximately 500 crore will be necessary.

In her petition at the Mumbai NCLT under Sections 241 and 242 of the Companies Act, Gang sought to restrain the company from amending its Articles of Association (AoA) to facilitate a proposed 450-crore financing deal by Singhvi for investing in ASG Hospitals, contending that the move violates contractual protections granted to her as a minority shareholder.

The platform will accelerate the development of institutional-grade senior living communities across key Indian cities and help establish senior living as a mainstream asset class.

IndiGo warns against airport operators owning airlines, citing a massive conflict of interest. The airline reported a significant quarterly loss due to soaring jet fuel prices. Government officials are considering a proposal to relax ownership rules for airport operators. IndiGo's revenue increased, but expenses rose sharply, impacting profitability. Capacity growth is expected to remain flat for the current quarter.

The cancellation issued by the Punjab government followed reports that five women in Kota, Rajasthan, died after allegedly being administered an Oxytocin injection that upon testing found contained no active ingredient.

India's import bill for key pulses significantly decreased in FY26 due to robust domestic production. Lower global prices and import curbs also contributed to this substantial reduction. Exports of certain pulses, like Kabuli chana, saw a notable increase during the same period. This shift reflects India's growing self-sufficiency and improved market position for these commodities. Domestic policies and strong harvests have bolstered India's pulse sector performance.

MSME stress deepened in FY26 with closures rising sharply to 62,747 from 39,446 in FY25, impacting over 3.7 lakh jobs. As of June 2026, 18,154 units had shut, affecting 1.25 lakh workers. Despite closures, overall MSME employment grew 16.5% year-on-year to 80.5 million, led by the trading sector, with Uttar Pradesh employing the largest workforce. Delays in highway projects triggered penalties of 2,732 crore over three years, with only 780 crore recovered so far.

Standing Committee on Finance, headed by Bhartruhari Mahtab, backs key provisions of the Securities Markets Code Bill, including raising Sebi board strength to 15 from 9, and calls for a regulatory framework for virtual digital assets

The Skill Development Ministry is linking payments to training providers to candidate placement. A 530-crore Skills Outcome Fund will incentivize providers and increase accountability. This initiative aims to help 200,000 youths secure quality employment and improved incomes. The program prioritizes candidates from low-income households and aims for 50% female participation. Focus will be on high-demand sectors and future-oriented job roles for sustainable livelihoods.

Nestle SA has reported impressive growth in India, a significant market for the company. The packaged food giant achieved double-digit real internal growth in this region. While global sales experienced a slight decline in the first half of 2026, Nestle increased its full-year organic sales growth forecast. Notably, India's unit profit saw substantial growth, driven by increased volumes and strategic investments.

India faces intensified energy supply challenges due to choke point closures. Three Saudi oil tankers rerouted in the Red Sea amid Houthi blockade. Non-Saudi tankers bound for India via Bab al-Mandeb have not faced disruptions. India sources oil from alternative locations like Fujairah terminal. Long-term blockades in Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb could significantly hurt India.

Quote of the Day by Henry Cavill: Henry Cavills quote, You can train and train until you are blue in the face, but you've got to diet, you've got to have that leanness because if you are not lean, your abs won't show. Of course, the training has to be put in, but then you've to shed all the fat and keep the fat off. And that's how you get an eight pack, explores the importance of discipline, consistency, and maintaining balance in achieving fitness goals.

Portuguese proverb of the day: A Portuguese saying highlights how stories evolve with each telling. Details can be added or altered as tales pass between people. This natural human tendency means information may change over time. We should consider the source and number of retellings for accuracy. Understanding this helps us critically evaluate information we receive.

The CBI has cleared Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, of involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. Initially, Bihar Police suspected his involvement due to past examination paper theft cases. The federal agency investigated all individuals connected to the theft and distribution. They also identified every candidate who benefited from the leaked question paper. Multiple chargesheets have been filed against forty-five accused individuals in this case.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre to amend the National Highways Act. It wants judicially trained adjudicators for land compensation disputes. Currently, government officers decide these compensation matters. The Attorney General stated the government is considering proposed amendments. The court will await the government's decision on this issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced stricter measures against examination paper leaks. The government will establish fast-track courts for swift trials and punishments. These actions aim to protect the future and aspirations of students nationwide. The Prime Minister emphasized that no leniency will be shown to offenders. Such incidents severely damage the credibility of examination systems.

Delhi Police identified over 480 Pakistan-based social media handles spreading misinformation. These accounts actively circulated rumors and fake videos during the CJP protest. The same handles were also active during the Operation Sindoor incident. Police urged students to verify information and avoid anonymous sources. Authorities respect the right to peaceful protest and seek public cooperation.

Quote of the Day by Desiderius Erasmus: The Dutch Renaissance scholar's famous quote from The Praise of Folly explores how arrogance often grows where genuine ability is lacking. It also reflects on the danger of seeking validation from people who encourage ignorance instead of truth. Written more than 500 years ago, the quote continues to hold relevance in today's world of public opinion, social media and constant search for approval.

We have a tendency to take what we have been given for granted. One ancient Vietnamese proverb reminds us that we should never, ever forget that if our lives are easier, more comfortable, it is only because of collective effort of others, which we may not even be aware about.

Today's quote of the day by Rudyard Kipling speaks to anyone who feels distracted by other people's success or failures. His words remind us that our future is shaped more by our own actions than by comparison. Written more than a century ago, this simple idea still offers practical guidance on self-discipline, resilience, personal growth, confidence, and staying focused on what truly matters.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel mine and coming out with empty hands. The saying reflects how success is shaped by effort, dedication, and the willingness to take action rather than simply by opportunities or potential. It suggests that valuable results cannot be achieved without hard work, perseverance, and commitment. Just as entering a jewel mine does not guarantee finding treasures without searching, lifes opportunities req

India strongly criticized Pakistan's unwarranted comments on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting. New Delhi stated that Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan's terrorism sponsorship. Pakistan should dismantle terror infrastructure instead of misusing global platforms.