The Economic Times

India and Japan are poised to sign a crucial pact on securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's summit with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi. A joint task force is being considered to bolster LNG stockpiling and information sharing, enhancing energy security for both nations amidst global supply chain volatility.

Mexico vs Ecuador FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming, Match Time, Venue, Lineup, Key Players and Team Preview: India gears up for a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter as Mexico faces Ecuador on July 1, 2026. Fans can catch the action live on official streaming platforms and television broadcasters. Both teams, boasting experienced stars and emerging talents, are set for a high-intensity clash with significant tournament implications. Expect a battle of technical prowess against athleticism

India's automotive exports to Japan have surged, becoming the primary growth engine and now representing 13% of shipments by FY26, up from 1% in FY21. This highlights deeper integration into Japan's auto supply chains. Meanwhile, Japanese firms continue to view India as a top investment hub, with most planning expansions. Despite rising exports, India's trade deficit with Japan has widened significantly due to faster import growth.

India's bankruptcy watchdog is proposing significant reforms to expedite real estate insolvency. Key changes include excluding completed or unaffected housing projects with creditor approval and mandating project-wise cash flow management. The aim is to prioritize project completion, enhance transparency for homebuyers, and ensure accountability, with stakeholders invited to provide feedback by July 21.

Australia is one step closer to a record seventh Women's T20 World Cup title after an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. Beth Mooney's unbeaten 61 anchored the chase, supported by Ashleigh Gardner's all-round performance, including two wickets and 35 runs. The West Indies faltered after a strong start, setting a below-par target of 125. Australia remains undefeated and will face the winner of England vs.

Antarctica dinosaur fossil discovery: A forgotten fossil, overlooked for 40 years in a museum drawer, has revealed Antarctica's first dinosaur discovery: an 82-million-year-old titanosaur tail vertebra. This find reshapes our understanding of the continent's ancient past, suggesting it served as a vital land bridge for dinosaurs during the supercontinent Gondwana.

A New Jersey middle school is investigating after a yearbook featuring a baby photo of Adolf Hitler was distributed. The offensive image was discovered after yearbooks were handed out, prompting a recall and a promise of corrected versions. School officials have condemned the inclusion, calling it a severe breach of their values, and have notified local authorities about the 'bias incident'.

On This Day in History, July 1 marks a date shaped by major military campaigns, nation-building, scientific breakthroughs and cultural milestones. The Battle of the Somme began, the Dominion of Canada was formed, the Bretton Woods Conference opened, Hong Kong returned to China, Sony introduced the Walkman and Princess Diana was born, alongside significant developments in communication, politics and popular culture.

A new study explains how researchers developed a machine-learning system that uses drones and AI to detect plastic landmines that are difficult to find with standard equipment. The technique focuses on scatterable PFM-1 mines and aims to support humanitarian demining operations by improving early surveys, reducing risks, and helping trained teams locate suspected hazardous areas more efficiently.

Quote of the Day by John B. Watson: John B. Watsons quote, The universe will change if you bring up your children, not in the freedom of the libertine, but in behavioristic freedom explores the importance of structured upbringing, learned behavior, and environmental influence in shaping human development. The quote suggests that children should not be raised in complete unrestricted freedom, but within guided boundaries where behavior is shaped through discipline, learning, and conditioning, lea

Miley Cyrus challenges the notion of beauty as an external pursuit, calling it an 'enemy' that can never be conquered. She argues that true beauty stems from inner confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance, not from conforming to ever-changing societal standards or physical attributes. In an age of filters and constant comparison, Cyrus's message offers a liberating perspective, emphasizing that lasting attractiveness comes from within, making us feel whole rather than flawed.

HDFC Bank is set to appoint Jigar Shah as its new General Counsel, bringing over three decades of legal and compliance expertise from the financial services sector. Shah, formerly with KKR and JPMorgan Chase, will officially take on the role in October 2026.

African proverb of the day offers a striking reminder that extraordinary lives are rarely built from safe choices. Instead, they are shaped by people willing to climb higher than others, even when the path is uncertain. This wisdom explains why meaningful progress often feels uncomfortable. Learning a new skill, changing careers, starting a business, or defending an unpopular idea all require climbing beyond familiar limits.

PepsiCo India has launched a massive Rs 1,266-crore flavour manufacturing plant in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This significant investment, part of a larger Rs 5,700-crore commitment, aims to boost industrial growth and create jobs across central India. The facility, PepsiCo's second flavour plant in the country, will produce beverage concentrates, reinforcing the company's dedication to the Indian market and its 'Partnership of Progress' with the nation.

Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended in a shocking Round of 32 exit against Paraguay, a result that also marked the international retirement of legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old, a 2014 World Cup winner, confirmed his final appearance after the penalty shootout loss. This early departure, a significant upset given the ranking disparity, concludes Neuer's illustrious 128-cap international career.

A family in Karnataka hosted a spectacular zero-waste wedding for over 600 guests, proving that grand celebrations can be environmentally conscious. They utilized farm-sourced decorations, eschewed disposable cutlery for steel and banana leaves, composted all food waste, and offered reusable return gifts. This thoughtful planning demonstrated that large Indian weddings can significantly reduce their ecological footprint without compromising tradition or escalating costs.

Best German proverb of the day: Every beginning is difficult reminds us that the first steps towards any worthwhile goal are often the hardest. Originally expressed in German as Aller Anfang ist schwer, the proverb encourages patience, perseverance and resilience, teaching that success rarely comes instantly but is earned through consistent effort and determination.

Charles Bukowski's widely shared quote, Nobody can save you but yourself and you're worth saving. It's a war not easily won. But if anything is worth winning this is it, is the closing line of his poem Nobody But You, published posthumously in Sifting Through the Madness for the Word, the Line, the Way (2002). The quote highlights the importance of personal responsibility, resilience and self-worth, while the article also explores Bukowski's life, writing style and lasting influence on modern l

Ford transmission recall: NHTSA said that Ford is aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries, with two of those being allegations of emotional injuries, related to the issue.

In a significant development for peace in Arunachal Pradesh, two militants from the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction surrendered to Assam Rifles and state police in Tirap district. They laid down arms, including pistols and live ammunition, signaling growing trust in security forces. This surrender highlights the government's success in bringing misguided youth back to the mainstream, with the surrendered individuals now undergoing rehabilitation.

A new study published in Gerontology suggests that the speed at which older adults begin taking a step, especially while performing a mental task, may be linked to their long-term survival. Researchers found that every additional 100 milliseconds taken to initiate a step under distracted conditions was associated with a 28% higher risk of death over the next 10 to 17 years. The findings indicate that simple movement tests could help identify older adults who may benefit from early interventions

The discovery of Earths oldest impact crater may rewrite planetary history. Scientists studying Western Australias ancient rock formations found evidence of a meteor strike dating back over three billion years. The finding reveals how asteroid impacts shaped early Earth, while ongoing research continues to challenge and refine our understanding of the planets forgotten past.

Tragedy struck Lahore as a tuition center's roof collapsed, claiming at least 14 young lives and injuring 20 others. Children aged seven to thirteen were attending classes in an under-construction building when the structure gave way. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities arresting the contractor and initiating criminal proceedings against those responsible. The injured are receiving medical attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with government secretaries to discuss accelerating deregulation and reforms for improved 'ease of doing business' and 'ease of living'. The focus was also on promoting self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') and achieving India's developed nation status by 2047. Modi emphasized integrated planning and a whole-of-government approach, urging secretaries to ensure tangible benefits for citizens through effective governance and service delivery.

India's financial system remains robust, with bank NPAs hitting a multi-decade low of 1.8%. Despite global uncertainties and rising oil prices, strong domestic fundamentals offer resilience. However, funding challenges are emerging as savers seek higher returns, and AI-driven cyberattacks pose a significant near-term threat to banks. The RBI remains vigilant against evolving risks.

The Supreme Court has put a hold on a Karnataka High Court order that sought to increase ethanol allocation for 2025-26. An oil company argued this could disrupt the national policy for 20% ethanol blending in petrol. The top court issued a notice, questioning if enhancing one supplier's quota would lead to widespread litigation and destabilize the existing national policy.

Indian manufacturing growth is set to slow in the first quarter of FY27, with a FICCI survey revealing muted business sentiment. This moderation is linked to the West Asia crisis, impacting production and order levels compared to the previous quarter. Despite these challenges, export performance shows positive signs, though manufacturers face rising production costs due to raw materials and logistics.

The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection to the Mumbai branch of Vadilal ice cream, recognizing its long-standing rights to the brand in western and southern India. This ruling stems from a 1993 family settlement, not a revocable license. The court has restrained the Ahmedabad faction from interfering with the Mumbai branch's operations until the arbitration concludes, acknowledging the potential for significant disruption if the brand is discontinued.

Indian companies are showing improved debt-servicing capabilities, with the interest coverage ratio reaching a two-year high of 6.5 in March 2026. This indicates a stronger ability to meet interest payments from operating profits. However, a concerning rise in financially vulnerable firms, whose profits can't cover interest, was also noted. Despite this, the overall debt burden remains manageable, and corporate leverage is declining.

Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Kiren Rijiju, alongside Arunachal Pradesh CM, are assessing flood damages in the Northeast. Despite initial weather disruptions grounding aerial surveys, a comprehensive ground and air tour of affected areas in Arunachal and Assam is planned for July 1. The ministers are engaging with residents, listening to grievances, and assuring swift assistance for farmers and families impacted by crop destruction and property damage.

US consumer confidence saw a slight uptick in June, buoyed by falling gasoline prices following a Middle East truce. However, this optimism is tempered by a noticeable weakening in labor market perceptions, with more people finding jobs difficult to secure, reaching a 5-1/2 year high. Consumers expect little improvement in job availability in the coming months.

A timeless Roman proverb, often attributed to Cicero, highlights friendship's profound impact: it amplifies joy and halves sorrow. This ancient wisdom underscores that true companionship is vital for well-being, enriching celebrations and easing hardships. In today's disconnected world, the proverb serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful human connection, built on loyalty and presence, remains one of life's greatest treasures, making our journey far richer.

Quote of the Day by Brad Pitt: Brad Pitts quote, Once you get older, you get a little closer to yourself, intimate explores the idea of aging as a journey toward self-awareness and inner understanding. The quote suggests that with age comes a deeper connection to ones true identity, where external expectations fade and a more honest, personal relationship with oneself begins to develop.

A Jaipur shop's decision to round up a customer's bill by just 50 paise has cost them dearly. The Rajasthan State Consumer Commission ruled this an unfair trade practice and deficiency in service. The shop was ordered to pay the consumer Rs 10,000 in compensation for the unauthorized charge and rude behavior, emphasizing that even small amounts cannot be arbitrarily added to bills.

The government has approved amendments to the KVIC Act, 1956, to modernize the Khadi and Village Industries sector. These changes aim to boost rural enterprises, enhance competitiveness through branding and innovation, and broaden the definition of rural areas. The reforms will also improve governance with greater representation and empower the government to notify new village industries, fostering inclusive economic growth and employment.

Fresh tensions erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district as Kuki Zo people protested, marching to a buffer zone. Naga women blocked essential supply convoys, disrupting vital commodities like LPG and rice, which are now sold at exorbitant prices. Security forces used tear gas to clear routes amidst escalating demands for removing unauthorized checkpoints, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and ethnic divisions.

Giraffe intelligence research is changing how the world views animal cognition. A new scientific discovery shows that giraffes may possess surprising numerical reasoning skills, using memory and quantity comparison to make smarter choices. Scientists are now exploring how evolution creates hidden cognitive abilities across species.

India has adjusted its windfall taxes on fuel exports, slashing duties on diesel and aviation fuel while increasing the tax on petrol exports. These changes, effective July 1, reflect easing global oil prices and aim to secure domestic supply. Exemptions for exports to neighbouring countries have also been expanded. This move signals a shift in the government's approach to managing fuel revenues amidst fluctuating international markets.

California's Altus Schools has deployed two life-sized, ChatGPT-powered humanoid robots, Ameca, to assist teachers and students. These robots can act as tutors, wellness coaches, career guides, and translators. While hailed as a futuristic step, the $500,000 investment faces criticism. Early trials show promise but also highlight limitations, with ongoing efforts to refine their interaction and ensure student safety and critical thinking.

IndiGo's Chief Human Resources Officer, Sukhjit Singh Pasricha, has resigned after an eight-year tenure, with Kanwal Jeet Singh Bakshi set to take over from July 20. This marks another significant senior departure from the airline, following recent exits of its CEO and Head of Global Sales. Pasricha cited discussions about his professional journey and personal aspirations for his decision to move on.

Electric cars are poised to capture nearly 10% of India's passenger vehicle market by the end of fiscal year 2027, according to Tata Motors' MD. This surge signifies a shift from early adopters to mainstream buyers, driven by improved charging infrastructure, battery warranties, and a wider product selection. Tata Motors is now focused on meeting escalating demand, anticipating EVs to represent over 30% of its sales by FY31.

The West Asia war has significantly boosted electric vehicle adoption in India, shifting the market from a 'push' to a 'pull' mode, according to Tata Motors' Shailesh Chandra. He noted that rising fuel prices and concerns over availability are making consumers, especially in the entry-level segment, more open to EVs. Tata Motors launched its new electric SUV, the Sierra.

Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, is now running in theatres and expands James Gunn's new DC Universe with Kara Zor-El's standalone story. While Warner Bros. has not announced an official OTT release date, the film is expected to stream on HBO Max after its theatrical run, likely following the studio's usual release pattern. Here's everything we know so far about its expected streaming platform and release window.