The Economic Times

Donald Trump Air Force One: The aircraft, a luxury Boeing 747, had previously generated controversy after Qatar offered it to replace the presidential jet last year.

Strait of Hormuz carried nearly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before it was blockaded by Iran during the war.

Gold price prediction: Gold rates extended their corrective phase and registered a third consecutive weekly decline, according to a bullion expert.

Brasil - Haiti game today in World Cup 2026 is a crucial for both the national teams in terms of progressing to knock out Round of 32.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi decided to start with Achraf Hakimi despite the controversy.

Joe Biden's Democratic administration refused to turn over the recordings and transcripts from 2016 and 2017, leading congressional Republicans to hold his attorney general, Merrick Garland, in contempt.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's sister-in-law, Sheetal, shared a heartwarming account of the actress's selfless care during a late-night illness. Samantha stayed up until 3 AM, personally attending to Sheetal's needs, even improvising with towels for warmth. Despite a demanding schedule and a recent wedding, Samantha's unwavering kindness and concern shone through, leaving Sheetal deeply touched by the star's tender heart.

Ancient fossilized babies of crocodile-like predators are rewriting evolutionary history. Previously, scientists believed early land animals hatched, underwent a tadpole phase, and then transformed, much like modern amphibians. However, new discoveries reveal these early tetrapods skipped the tadpole stage, suggesting their life cycles were more akin to fish or mammals, fundamentally altering our understanding of how life conquered land.

Poor rainfall typically leads farmers to reduce cattle numbers because of shortages of fodder and water, lowering milk output and pushing up prices.

Life lesson of the day by Colin Powell: Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell emphasized that success isn't about shortcuts but stems from diligent preparation, unwavering hard work, and the crucial ability to learn from failures. His philosophy highlights that setbacks are not endpoints but valuable lessons.

In a landmark speech to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero detailed 176 measures aimed at rolling back the state's role in the economy and attracting investment in everything from banking to tourism and agriculture. These huge changes come as the United States exerts strong pressure on Cuba aside from the oil blockade, with President Donald Trump musing openly about taking over the island just 90 miles (145 km) from Florida.

The carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) scheme is expected to attract investments of about 37,500 crore and create carbon-capture capacity of 7 million tonnes a year, they said. The next step is to get the approval of the Union Cabinet.

Digital gold providers are enhancing transparency with independent audits and vault checks, aiming to build trust as the sector serves 80 million customers. Industry bodies like DPMACI and IBJA are establishing standards for physical gold backing and regular inspections. Despite a recent import duty hike, digital gold transactions remain robust on UPI, indicating sustained investor interest in this accessible investment avenue.

India's drug regulator is proposing to allow hospitals to directly import advanced medical equipment like MRI and CT scanners, bypassing current import licenses. This move aims to speed up access to cutting-edge technology. However, the domestic medical device industry expresses concern, citing safety risks and the specialized expertise of licensed importers in handling high-risk equipment and ensuring quality.

The ministry, through the Grid Controller of India, will continue to assess rainfall projections, including the weather office's forecast next month, to evaluate any potential impact on power generation.

IHG Hotels & Resorts is eyeing significant expansion in India, aiming to deepen its partnership with Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) beyond the recently signed five-hotel deal. IHG plans to launch more hotels at airports and in urban commercial hubs, leveraging AAHL's extensive airport infrastructure. This strategic move aims to capitalize on India's infrastructure growth and meet rising demand across various market tiers.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has reportedly formed secret cells in Iraq to launch drone strikes on Gulf nations hosting U.S. troops. These elite Iraqi Shi'ite fighters, operating independently of traditional militias, allegedly conducted at least seven attacks targeting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This strategic shift aims to bolster Iran's regional influence while evading detection amid mounting pressure on its proxy network.

Ancient Egyptian honey, sealed in tombs for millennia, has sparked tales of enduring edibility. While direct evidence is scarce, the remarkable preservation of honey is attributed to its high sugar content, low water, and acidity, creating an inhospitable environment for microbes. Bees' enzymatic contributions, including hydrogen peroxide production, further enhance its antimicrobial properties. Though ancient honey's flavor and potency change, its survival highlights nature's ingenious preserva

German appliance giant BSH Home Appliances is making a significant push into India's mass market for the first time globally. By partnering with local manufacturers and reducing prices, the company aims to capture a larger share of this crucial segment. This strategic shift, which includes introducing over 350 new models, signals BSH's strong commitment to the Indian market and its potential for future growth.

Reliance Industries aims for 40 billion units of green electricity annually, powering its Kutch hub. The company is scaling its battery cell gigafactory to 120 GWh and expects new energy to boost financial performance from 2027. Operational solar PV manufacturing lines are already producing advanced HJT modules, marking a significant step towards a sovereign clean energy ecosystem with no imported fuel or foreign technology.

Reliance Jio is venturing into space communication, planning a sovereign Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for India. The company is also building ground station infrastructure and partnering with global providers to accelerate service availability. This move positions Jio to compete with international players like Starlink and OneWeb, aiming to connect India from the skies.

Property consultants say enquiries remain below pre-war levels, preferred deal sizes have fallen to around AED 1. 5m from over AED 2m earlier

The proposed scheme, which is close to securing approvals, will offer production-linked incentives and waive import duties on capital goods needed to establish processing facilities, a senior government official told ET.

India is collaborating with Russian oil giant Rosneft to explore Siberia's rare earth deposits, aiming to secure vital mineral supplies. These elements are crucial for electric vehicle motors and advanced electronics, areas where India currently depends on imports. Following past export disruptions, this partnership, initiated during the India-Russia summit, seeks to develop processing technologies and potentially produce essential rare-earth magnets.

Life lesson of the day on success by John D. Rockefeller reveals a timeless success formula: excellence in simple actions creates extraordinary results. Rockefellers success story proves that consistency, focus, and daily improvement build lasting achievement. True success comes from mastering small habits, learning from failures, and turning ordinary efforts into remarkable accomplishments.

French Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. The saying reflects how determination, perseverance, and inner motivation can influence a person's ability to overcome challenges and pursue goals. It suggests that when people approach difficulties with commitment, courage, and a positive attitude, obstacles often become more manageable.

This Chinese proverb, 'Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness,' offers a timeless lesson on hope and taking action. It emphasizes that even the smallest positive effort can create light and make a difference when facing difficult circumstances, rather than simply complaining about problems.

The Supreme Court has indicated a 75-year-old lawyer, excluded from West Bengal's voter list, likely deserves inclusion. Hearing his plea, a vacation bench noted the delay in his appeal's decision. While not deciding the case's merits, the court urged the appellate tribunal to expedite the lawyer's inclusion, acknowledging the prima facie entitlement. The bench emphasized the need for prompt resolution of such electoral roll appeals.

Hollywood titan Steven Spielberg, whose films have grossed over $10 billion, faced early rejection from his dream film school due to mediocre grades. Despite this, a chance to direct a short film led to a groundbreaking seven-year contract with Universal Pictures. This paved the way for iconic hits like Jaws and Jurassic Park, cementing his status as a legendary filmmaker and a testament to unwavering perseverance.

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea for a CBI investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the Tamil Nadu assembly trust vote. A bench led by the Chief Justice deemed the allegations unsubstantiated and lacking credible evidence. The petition claimed the ruling party lacked sufficient numbers to form a government independently, a claim dismissed by the court due to vague and casual assertions without reliable backing.

A recent sale of a struggling pizza giant sparks hope for a return to artisanal, hand-made pizzas. The author reminisces about a childhood encounter with a small, personal pizzeria in New York, contrasting it with the rise of mass-produced options. While industrial pizzas still dominate globally, the article highlights a growing artisanal movement in India, fueled by food delivery services, with new pizzerias offering unique, regional styles.

Three cargo ships are now transiting the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a significant shift after the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran eased maritime restrictions. This development follows a peace deal, paving the way for India to resume economic ties, including energy trade and the crucial International North South Transport Corridor.

Anime's global appeal is skyrocketing, with international markets now driving over half of its revenue. This boom is fueled by streaming platforms and lucrative brand collaborations, transforming anime into a global IP powerhouse. While blockbuster movies and expanding international production signal immense growth, the industry grapples with underpaid workers and talent shortages, prompting exploration of AI solutions to ease production burdens.

India is set to assume the vice-presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, with Vivek Aggarwal appointed to the role from July 2026 to June 2027. This significant elevation reflects India's robust anti-money laundering framework and its contributions to global financial security. Aggarwal will support the FATF president in advancing the organization's mission to combat illicit financial activities worldwide.

A timeless French proverb, 'Theres no sense in running, you just have to leave on time,' offers a profound lesson: preparation and timely action often trump sheer speed. Rushing creates stress, while thoughtful planning ensures a smoother journey. This wisdom, rooted in French culture's appreciation for balance and practical insight, highlights that success hinges not just on effort, but on understanding the opportune moment.

Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh La in Uttarakhand have been designated as temporary immigration posts for the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, commencing June 20. The first batch of 44 pilgrims, including support staff, has arrived in Sikkim and will proceed to Gyangze in China on June 20 via the Nathu La Pass. This move facilitates the arduous journey for devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.

Quote of the day: Euripides timeless Father's Day quote, To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a..., reveals deep family love, emotional wisdom, and the priceless bond between fathers and daughters. This ancient Greek wisdom still inspires modern generations, reminding us that true success is measured by relationships, gratitude, and unforgettable moments.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra makes his highly anticipated return to competition at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, June 19, 2026, after recovering from a back injury. The javelin star, who last competed in September, faces a formidable international field. Fans can catch the action live on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel, with the men's javelin event commencing at 11:14 PM IST. Chopra aims to find his rhythm quickly.

Fighting flared anew in Lebanon on Friday, with authorities reporting 47 killed in Israeli airstrikes and Israel announcing the deaths of four of its soldiers. - 'Dangerous escalation' - Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli airstrikes and bombardments killed at least 47 people -- including seven women and two children -- and wounded 97 others in Lebanon on Friday.

Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port is set to get a river cruise terminal and museum, boosting tourism. The port aims to increase cargo handling significantly and is undertaking major infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Adani Group is exploring substantial investments across West Bengal in various sectors, signaling a push for industrial growth and enhanced connectivity.

As we mature, our perception of fathers shifts from invincible figures to individuals who navigated life's challenges while prioritizing family. This Father's Day, the focus moves beyond gifts to genuine gratitude for their quiet sacrifices and unwavering support. The article offers heartfelt messages for all father figures, acknowledging the profound impact of their presence and love, encouraging a deeper appreciation for these guiding forces in our lives.

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio faced a devastating financial ruin in 1982 after a failed prediction of an economic depression. This colossal miscalculation cost him dearly, leaving him broke and forced to downsize his company to just himself. However, this profound failure became a pivotal learning experience, teaching him humility and the importance of questioning his own assumptions, ultimately reshaping his approach to decision-making and revealing hidden opportunities in adversity.

Uttarakhand's famed Dehradun litchis have officially entered the European market with the first export consignment reaching Italy. This significant move, facilitated by APEDA, saw one metric tonne of the sweet, aromatic fruit dispatched on June 18, 2026. The initiative promises better returns for local farmers, who are now seeing prices around 25% higher than domestic rates, boosting the region's agricultural economy.

India and Uzbekistan are set to significantly boost bilateral trade, aiming to double it within three years. Discussions at the recent Intergovernmental Commission focused on expanding exports of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, auto, and machinery. Both nations also explored cooperation in customs, payment infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, and energy, with a particular emphasis on securing critical minerals for India's digital economy.

Moon impact 3.5 billion years ago reveals hidden Solar System history through tiny mineral grains. The discovery shows asteroid bombardment continued long after the Late Heavy Bombardment period. Researchers found baddeleyite crystals inside lunar meteorite NWA 12593, dated nearly 3.486 billion years old. The evidence connects impacts on the Moon, Earth, and Vesta, offering new clues about early life conditions.