The Economic Times

India may be adding more trade partners, but its latest FTA report card comes with several red marks. A new study by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that while free trade agreements have become a cornerstone of India's trade strategy, the country is grappling with six persistent challenges ranging from widening trade deficits and low utilisation of tariff benefits to manufacturing shifts abroad and increasingly intrusive trade rules.

African proverb of the day: Love is like a baby; it needs to be treated tenderly. This timeless African proverb carries a powerful life lesson for modern relationships. Love does not survive on feelings alone. It grows through patience, trust, kindness, and daily care. The wisdom behind the African proverb of the day reminds us that strong relationships need attention just as a child needs protection and guidance.

Former NRL player Kane Evans has bravely come out as gay, sharing his decades-long struggle with his identity. His emotional revelation on national television has sparked widespread support, with many believing his courage will inspire others in similar situations. Evans' openness marks a significant moment, offering hope and peace to those facing internal battles.

British drug giant GSK is reportedly in talks to acquire cancer drugmaker Nuvalent. The deal could be worth over nine billion dollars. Discussions are ongoing, with an agreement potentially this week. This move comes amid a surge in biotech acquisitions as large companies seek to boost their drug pipelines. Nuvalent focuses on targeted cancer therapies.

Emma Watson, known for Harry Potter, champions individuality. She urges everyone to trust their own tastes, even if they differ from popular trends. In today's social media driven world, this message of self-acceptance is vital. Watson's activism highlights the importance of genuine opinions. Embracing authenticity leads to personal growth and stronger connections.

Rajiv Bajaj will step down as a non-executive director of Bajaj Finserv, not seeking re-election at the July 31, 2026 AGM. Citing increased responsibilities at Bajaj Auto, including oversight of new businesses and the KTM acquisition, he aims to reduce external commitments. This follows his recent departure from the Bajaj Finance board.

UPSC Prelims Result 2026 Date: Aspirants await the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 results, expected in the second week of June based on past trends. The exam saw 5.49 lakh candidates vying for 933 vacancies. While General Studies Paper-I was deemed challenging, the CSAT paper, despite new formats, was manageable for prepared candidates. Three new exam centres were added this year.

A young boy, around 12 or 13, was found working at a puncture repair shop during his summer vacation. He explained that his father is ill, and his mother works as a laborer, forcing him to contribute to the family's income. This encounter highlighted how poverty compels children to shoulder adult responsibilities prematurely.

Manipur's new DGP Mukesh Singh visited Kangpokpi and Senapati districts to assess the law and order situation. He assured impartial police action and urged peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, vehicular movement on NH-202 is suspended due to protests against alleged excessive force on women. A rally also demanded the postponement of the census exercise, citing displacement of conflict-affected people.

A new crime thriller series, Raakh, is coming to Amazon Prime Video. It is set in late 1970s Delhi. The show follows a police investigation into the disappearance of two youngsters. It is inspired by the real-life Ranga-Billa case. The series looks at the crime and its impact on families. Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre star in the show.

JSW Steel reported a significant 15 percent jump in crude steel production for May. The company produced 22.93 lakh tonnes, a notable increase from the previous year. This growth was fueled by the full operational capacity of the Dolvi unit and the ramp-up of JVML operations. JSW Steel USA-Ohio also saw a 20 percent rise in its output.

India's garment factories face severe heat challenges. Productivity drops up to 10% affect global brands like Uniqlo and Marks & Spencer. Heat causes fabric damage and production delays. This impacts millions of workers, mostly women. Global buyers need to set heat standards and help upgrade facilities. Managing this risk is crucial for the industry's future.

Beverage industry in India: Indian companies are seeing strong growth in drinks like coffee, ready-to-drink options, and protein beverages. Younger consumers are driving this trend, seeking convenience and health. Companies are expanding their offerings to meet this demand. This shift presents significant opportunities for future expansion in the Indian beverage market.

The Centre has announced significant support for families affected by the Vizag Steel Plant accident. Ex gratia compensation of Rs 25 lakh will be given to each deceased worker's family. Permanent employment will be provided to one family member. Injured workers will receive Rs 10 lakh for severe injuries. The government assures commitment to employee welfare and plant revival.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was in the final throes of reaching a Middle East peace deal. We're in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal, he told reporters on his return from an NBA Finals game.

Moving to Bengaluru brings unexpected experiences. The city presents a blend of challenges and delights. Newcomers face unpredictable weather and difficult housing searches. However, the food scene offers quick comfort. Traffic significantly impacts travel times. Despite these hurdles, community connections help people settle in. Bengaluru's unique rhythm eventually becomes familiar.

Fitch Ratings has reduced India's GDP growth projection to 6.4 percent for the current fiscal year. The US-Iran war is expected to slow economic activity in the September and December quarters. Rising prices will dampen consumer spending. For FY28, growth is expected to pick up to 6.7 percent. Fitch also anticipates the Reserve Bank of India will increase interest rates.

Nearly a year after the AI 171 plane crash, families still grapple with loss and trauma. Some survivors fear flying, while others seek counseling. The tragedy continues to impact lives, with memories of the event deeply affecting those who lost loved ones or witnessed the disaster firsthand. The aftermath of the crash leaves a lasting imprint on the community.

Billionaire Harsh Goenka's X post challenges global stereotypes about Indians, highlighting how narrow perceptions reduce rich cultures to clichs. He contrasts common criticisms with India's significant contributions in tech, healthcare, and innovation, urging a shift from prejudice to acknowledging actions and shared humanity. Goenka proudly reaffirms Indian heritage, emphasizing its ancient wisdom and resilient spirit.

Airlines are facing a fuel price shock. U.S. carriers spent over six billion dollars on jet fuel in April, a significant jump from last year. This surge in energy costs is impacting global airline profits. Industry experts predict profits could be cut almost in half by 2026. Airlines are responding by raising fares and cutting flights.

A government official testifies today in federal court. This concerns billions of dollars in import taxes. The Supreme Court ruled these taxes illegal. The court will decide if refunds are expedited. The Justice Department appealed a ruling for all businesses to get refunds. This hearing may clarify the refund process. The agency is working on refunding older shipments.

A U.S. Army Apache helicopter gunship crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with both crew members safely rescued. The cause of the incident remains unclear, with possibilities including Iranian fire, mechanical failure, or another issue. Reuters has not yet verified the report.

A Tamil Nadu founder, Pradeep Kannan, shared the profound story of his employee, Shan, who was abandoned at age two and passed through ten families. Shan left home at eleven, surviving through odd jobs, yet now works professionally and without complaint. His hidden past was revealed during a team dinner, leaving everyone in awe of his resilience.

Millions struggle with sleep. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained doctor, offers simple tips for better rest. Avoid late meals and keep your bedroom cool. Get morning sunlight and limit alcohol. A warm shower and dim lights help signal bedtime. Consistent wake-up times stabilize your body clock. These habits promote deeper, restorative sleep for improved well-being.

Success is often measured by big achievements, but personal growth is also seen in smaller ways. Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo highlights five signs of progress. These include working towards meaningful goals, evolving over time, practicing self-care, staying open to possibilities, and surviving difficult times. Recognizing these subtle signs provides a more realistic view of self-improvement.

India A vs Sri Lanka A predicted live streaming: India A starts its Tri-Nation Series 2026 campaign against Sri Lanka A on Tuesday. The match will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This tournament is a chance for young Indian players to impress selectors. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prabhsimran Singh are among the notable names. The top two teams will advance to the final.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met top business and tech leaders to advance economic ties. In posts on X, he highlighted productive discussions with Walmart's CEO on supply chains, and with SCSP's chief on boosting India-USA cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to focus on concluding a deal to supply BrahMos missile missiles to Indonesia during his Jakarta visit in July. If signed, Indonesia would become the third Southeast Asian buyer of the missile system after Philippines and Vietnam.

VivaTech 2026 in Paris is set to feature India as its Official Partner Country, reflecting the nation's rising influence in the realms of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Attendees can look forward to insightful presentations on India's technological advancements and public digital infrastructure.

Today Petrol, Diesel Price June 9: Fuel prices in India remain at their highest since May 2022, with petrol and diesel seeing cumulative hikes of around 7.5-8 per litre due to the West Asia conflict impacting global crude oil prices. Despite recent minor fluctuations, oil marketing companies continue to face daily losses. However, the Union Oil Minister anticipates prices may ease as global supply conditions improve.

Thyrocare founder Dr. A. Velumani observed that many profitable Indian companies with revenues over Rs 40 crore are stagnating due to excessive talking and insufficient documentation. He found that reliance on voice communication, rather than structured emails, leads to a lack of systems, accountability, and ultimately, hinders scaling beyond a certain point.

India's economy, once humming with benign inflation and steady growth, now faces mounting costs from the Iran war. As a major oil importer, disruptions to supply and elevated prices are impacting growth, inflation, and government finances. The central bank's ability to manage these shocks is increasingly difficult.

LPG Gas Price Today: Domestic LPG cylinder prices have risen by 29. The government has also cut the annual subsidised cooking gas cylinder entitlement for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries from nine to four. This move aligns with average household consumption. PMUY beneficiaries still receive a 300 subsidy per cylinder. The effective cost for them is now 642.

Why are oil prices up today, and will Brent and US WTI crude futures continue to rise or fall again? Oil prices moved slightly higher as traders assessed the latest developments between Iran and Israel. Although both countries announced a halt to attacks after calls from U.S. President Donald Trump, concerns remain about the possibility of renewed conflict. Investors are also watching the Strait of Hormuz, global oil supply risks, and diplomatic efforts that could influence Brent crude and U.S.

Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer is actively seeking to win a major Indian military transport aircraft tender. Their C-390 Millennium is the contender. Embraer is partnering with Indian companies for local manufacturing and maintenance. This collaboration aims to boost India's aerospace capabilities and align with national initiatives. The project includes plans for a regional jet assembly line in Gujarat.

At the UN Security Council, India fiercely condemned Pakistan for blocking Afghan trade and launching deadly airstrikes that killed 372 civilians. Labelled unprecedented 'trade and transit terrorism', India contrasted Pakistan's aggression with its own extensive humanitarian aid, medical support, and educational scholarships for the Afghan people.

Why are gold and silver prices down today, and will precious metals continue to drop or rise again? Gold prices extended losses for a third session as U.S. Treasury yields moved higher. Silver also declined, while investors tracked interest rate expectations, Middle East developments, ETF holdings, and analyst forecasts. Market participants are now evaluating whether precious metals can recover or face more pressure in the coming months.

Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik warns against 'lifestyle creep,' where salary hikes are absorbed by increased spending, hindering wealth building. He advocates for annually increasing SIP contributions by just 10% instead of keeping them fixed. This simple habit, he explains, can significantly boost long-term wealth, creating substantial additional funds compared to stagnant investments.

Spanish proverb of the day highlights a traditional saying that warns about large age gaps in marriage and the challenges they may create. The proverb discusses relationships, marriage, life stages, human nature, stress, expectations, and long-term compatibility. It also explores lessons about choosing a partner for the right reasons and explains why this traditional Spanish proverb continues to remain relevant in modern society.

Major hotel groups are investing heavily in India. They expect a surge in domestic travel to drive growth. This expansion continues despite economic concerns. Prime Minister Modi encourages local holidays. India's tourism market is set for significant expansion. New hotels are planned across the country. This signals a bright future for Indian hospitality.

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to safeguarding common interests and supporting Kim Jong Un during a rare summit in Pyongyang. The leaders agreed to strengthen strategic ties, with Xi emphasizing opposition to hegemony and promoting regional stability. The visit highlights Beijing's view of Pyongyang as a strategic asset.

Authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their seaside homes in New Zealand's capital on Tuesday as 11-metre (36-foot) waves lashed the coast. Waves entering Wellington Harbour on Tuesday were measured at 11 metres, New Zealand's MetService said.