The Economic Times

Meta and EssilorLuxottica have launched new AI-powered smart glasses, Meta Glasses, starting at $299. These glasses feature updated designs, improved comfort, and are powered by Meta's latest AI model, Muse Spark, offering enhanced contextual understanding. Key features include voice control, open-ear speakers, hands-free capture, and extended battery life. New features like Dynamic Photo and expanded live translation are also on the horizon, with availability in several global markets.

Milton Friedmans quote of the day: Milton Friedmans timeless insight goes far beyond economics. His words offer a powerful lesson about freedom, innovation, and human potential, revealing why choice, competition, and independent thinking remain essential for progress in a rapidly changing world.

President Trump declared he would halt technical talks with Iran if nuclear inspections by the IAEA are denied, asserting Washington has secured assurances. He dismissed concerns, stating Iran has agreed in principle to inspections at the appropriate time. Trump also claimed significant progress in negotiations, highlighting Iran's weakened state and potential economic arrangements that could address humanitarian needs within the country.

A tentative US-Iran deal to end hostilities promises a financial boost for American farmers, with President Trump asserting frozen Iranian assets will fund US crop purchases. However, Iran disputes this, stating agricultural deals will be based on market terms, not US dictates. Sanctions experts are uncertain about the mechanism for such asset transfers, raising questions about the deal's specifics and Iran's autonomy over its unfrozen funds.

A major evacuation plan is now underway for over 11,000 seafarers aboard hundreds of ships stranded in the Gulf. Following a ceasefire deal between Iran and the U.S., the UN's International Maritime Organization is coordinating the phased departure through the Strait of Hormuz. Safety guarantees have been secured, with temporary routes established to navigate around current risks like floating mines. Vessels will be contacted individually for their transit day.

NBA Draft 2026 is happening on Tuesday as NBA teams are looking to bolster their side.

President Trump announced unprecedented maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz following a new diplomatic understanding with Iran. He claimed record oil flow and asserted that oil prices are falling, making the world safer. The US also aims to permanently block Iran's path to nuclear weapons, while regional stability remains a priority. Economic embargoes on Iranian crude have been paused, with Iran permitting UN inspectors' re-entry.

India and the US are nearing a significant trade agreement, with Washington expressing optimism about concluding the deal soon. This historic pact aims to open India's vast market to American goods on mutually beneficial terms, supporting the Mission 500 goal of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Recent trade figures show a substantial increase, with Indian investment in the US also growing.

Life often presents difficult choices where ideal solutions are absent. A timeless proverb suggests that in times of great danger, temporary alliances, even with undesirable entities, are permissible to ensure survival. This wisdom emphasizes practicality over rigid ideals, urging individuals to recognize when a compromise is necessary for safety. Crucially, it warns against lingering too long once the danger has passed, stressing the importance of returning to one's values.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson won a runoff election on Tuesday, swiftly routing the candidate initially endorsed by President Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee for governor.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in the UAE to address concerns over a new Iran deal. The agreement, brokered by Vice President JD Vance, aims to end regional hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio emphasized that Iran's leadership must choose to be a nation, not a terror exporter, for a $300 billion investment fund to materialize.

Gen Z, embrace workplace friction for career growth. The article argues that technology has removed essential discomfort, hindering crucial skills like conflict resolution and active listening. Practicing these 'durable skills' through everyday interactions, like making phone calls or engaging in difficult conversations, is vital for success as AI automates technical tasks. Colleges are now incorporating this practice, highlighting its importance for future professionals.

Healthcare fraud has been a long-running Justice Department priority and news conferences announcing roundups and crackdowns have been common occurrences across the years.

Failing Class 9 didn't deter Imtiaz Ali from his dreams. This celebrated filmmaker, once struggling with studies, discovered his passion for storytelling through theatre at Delhi University. After a television career, his directorial journey began with a cult hit, leading to iconic films like 'Jab We Met' and 'Rockstar'. His latest, 'Main Vaapas Aunga', explores a poignant love story amidst the 1947 Partition.

At 78, Danny Denzongpa credits his youthful vigor to a disciplined lifestyle. He champions home-cooked meals, often featuring his beloved Sikkim spices, and prioritizes fresh, local food over elaborate catering. An anecdote with Jackie Shroff highlights his simple culinary approach, even incorporating unexpected ingredients like green apples. Akshay Kumar and Leo Babauta have also lauded Denzongpa's commitment to fitness and natural eating, underscoring his enduring well-being.

Chandrasekaran has called for closer coordination across the airlines departments. Key divisions such as flight operations, commercial strategy and finance have been directed to submit weekly progress reports directly to the chairman, according to people familiar with the matter. The aim is to ensure stability until the appointment of a new CEO, they said.

Chinese proverb of the day remains highly relevant in the age of Generation Z. While modern technology provides unlimited access to information, wisdom is still best gained through meaningful human interaction. Conversations with mentors, teachers, parents, and experienced individuals offer valuable insights that cannot always be found in books or online resources. The proverb reminds Gen-Z that true learning involves not only acquiring knowledge but also seeking wisdom, understanding, and persp

Bottled-up stress, particularly internalized feelings of hopelessness, is silently eroding memory in older Chinese Americans, a Rutgers Health study reveals. This hidden emotional strain, often overlooked due to cultural pressures and immigrant challenges, significantly worsens cognitive function. The research highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions to address this modifiable risk factor and protect brain health in this understudied population.

Pioneering psychologist John B. Watson asserted that human behavior is largely learned, not innate. His foundational work in behaviorism challenged the concept of instincts, proposing that habits and tendencies stem from training and environmental influences. This perspective empowers individuals, suggesting that perceived limitations can be overcome through new experiences and deliberate practice, a vital lesson for personal growth and change.

NBC journalist Savannah Guthrie made an emotional on-air plea for help after new details emerged regarding her mother Nancy Guthrie's January disappearance. A ransom note, demanding $6 million in cryptocurrency, was sent to media outlets. Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie may have died unintentionally shortly after being kidnapped. The family is offering a $1 million reward for information, urging anyone with even slight details to come forward anonymously.

Psychology says people who call the guy for even a small thing to be done at home aren't always avoiding work. Psychology explains that this behaviour can be linked to decision-making, confidence, learned habits, convenience, time management, and personal priorities. While some people prefer to complete household tasks themselves, others choose outside help for different reasons. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help people avoid making quick judgments.

Ancient philosopher Seneca offers a timeless lesson on happiness: true contentment isn't about acquiring everything you desire, but about appreciating what you already have. In today's world of constant comparison, his wisdom highlights that peace stems from managing expectations and finding joy in the present. This Stoic approach shifts focus from external acquisition to internal attitude, fostering resilience and lasting satisfaction.

Psychology says people who save numbers of some people with various kinds of names aren't always acting with bad intentions. The way people label contacts can reflect memory, emotions, habits, relationships, or personal organization. Psychology explains that this behavior may have different meanings depending on the situation. Understanding the reasons behind it can help people avoid quick judgments and improve communication with family, friends, and colleagues.

Best proverb of the day: Life's rapid pace often leads to hasty decisions and spoken words with lasting consequences. A Japanese proverb illustrates that actions, once taken, cannot be fully undone. This wisdom encourages mindful reflection before speaking or acting, reminding us that while past mistakes are irreversible.

India is set to launch 50 to 60 new mines this fiscal year, building on the 36 operationalized in the previous year. The government is also fast-tracking bids for lithium and nickel processing units within three months. Significant progress is being made in critical mineral extraction and exploration projects, with targets expected to be met ahead of schedule. The private sector is also actively participating in exploration.

Akasa Air is charting an ambitious course, targeting a significant 30% capacity expansion by fiscal year 2027. Despite global uncertainties, the airline's long-term vision remains steadfast. Currently operating 39 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Akasa Air dedicates a quarter of its capacity to international routes. The airline also reported a robust 37% surge in operating revenue for the 2025-26 fiscal year, signaling strong growth momentum.

National real estate developers are making significant inroads into Delhi-NCR's residential market, traditionally led by local firms. Homebuyers' preference for branded properties is fueling this shift. National players' share of new supply surged from 3% in 2022 to over 13% by the end of 2025, marking a substantial increase and indicating a growing institutionalized property landscape.

India's tourism sector is set for a massive job surge, potentially creating 100 million direct jobs by 2047. Industry leaders emphasize the critical need for enhanced international marketing to attract more foreign visitors, highlighting India's vast untapped potential despite its rich cultural and natural attractions. Significant economic growth and infrastructure development are supporting this optimistic outlook.

Tata Power's Mundra thermal plant will continue supplying electricity for three more months until September 30, following an extension of special operating directives from the Centre. This move aims to prevent power shortages during the summer's peak demand. The plant, which had previously suspended operations due to losses, resumed full capacity in April and is crucial for supplying power to several northern and western states.

Mamaearth's parent company, Honasa Consumer, is acquiring a majority stake in nutraceuticals brand Fluence Pharma for 135 crore. This strategic move, Honasa's second acquisition in under a year, signals a growing trend of consolidation in the beauty and personal care sector. Honasa aims to integrate science-backed skincare with nutraceuticals, addressing consumer demand for holistic wellness solutions. Fluence Pharma will become the ninth brand under Honasa's umbrella.

Indian drugmakers are stepping up to help the US combat a critical shortage of ifosfamide injection, a vital chemotherapy drug. Leading companies like Zydus, Cipla, Alkem, and Aurobindo Pharma are in discussions to supply the medicine. The US FDA has reached out to Indian pharmaceutical bodies, seeking manufacturers capable of producing the drug in various strengths to ensure availability for cancer patients.

India and the US are pushing for an interim trade pact, with high-level talks led by Piyush Goyal and Jamieson Greer aiming for a deal before July 24. Both nations emphasize a win-win partnership, with India seeking lower tariffs and better market access. Discussions focused on advancing negotiations for a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, building on a February joint statement.

India is planning to boost local manufacturing of around 10 high-value medical devices, including MRI systems and pacemakers, to curb reliance on expensive imports. Industry consultations with the government are underway to identify key product categories for accelerated development. This initiative aims to address a significant rise in medical device imports, with potential policy support including tariff reviews and subsidies.

Satellite communication firms are concerned over the exclusion of Global Mobile Personal Communications Service (GMPCS) providers from draft rules for administrative spectrum allocation. The Broadband India Forum highlighted this omission, stating it contradicts the Telecommunications Act. While the rules cover various satellite services, GMPCS, explicitly mentioned in the Act for administrative assignment, is missing, creating industry uncertainty. Consultation on the draft rules is ongoing.

Niti Aayog proposes a blueprint for free trade agreements to boost regulatory predictability in India's pharmaceutical sector. The think tank urges a shift towards high-value segments, emphasizing enhanced industry-academia collaboration for patent commercialization and startup incubation. While India is the 'pharmacy of the world,' it needs to move up the value chain by focusing on deeptech innovation to become a capital for pharma innovation.

India's private sector experienced a slowdown in June, reaching a three-month low as rising costs and softening demand impacted business. The composite PMI dipped to 57.4. While manufacturing output growth eased, both manufacturing and services PMIs saw declines. Despite this, businesses remain hopeful for future output, though overall confidence has weakened, with manufacturers showing the lowest sentiment in nearly four years.

John Denver's timeless lyrics from 'Perhaps Love' reveal love as a profound sanctuary, offering solace and warmth during life's storms. More than fleeting passion, it's a steadfast refuge providing strength and comfort, especially in times of loneliness and hardship. Denver, a celebrated 70s folk icon, masterfully captured this enduring essence of love, reminding us of its power to heal and guide us home.

Infosys is aggressively pursuing the AI-first services market, projecting a $300-400 billion opportunity by 2030. Chairman Nandan Nilekani emphasized AI will amplify, not replace, IT services, with 90% of top clients already engaged in AI initiatives. CEO Salil Parekh confirmed 5.5% of FY26 revenue, around $1 billion, came from AI services, experiencing rapid growth. Management highlighted AI's positive impact on margins and future growth potential.

India is set to export a train rake of up to 20 coaches to Bangladesh next month, marking a significant resumption of trade. This shipment, manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, is part of a larger contract for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches funded by the European Investment Bank. Despite a political delay, the project is now back on track, with RITES overseeing the supply, commissioning, and warranty.

India's economy is projected to grow around 7% this fiscal year, with most businesses finding growth avenues despite global cost pressures. The new CII president, R Mukundan, advocates for a GST Council-like body to drive crucial reforms across sectors like agriculture and land. He also emphasized strategic technology infusion from China, particularly in battery storage, and expanding production-linked incentives for local manufacturing.

India's ONGC is in talks with Venezuela's PDVSA to acquire stakes in two oilfields, San Cristobal and Carabobo. This move hinges on ONGC securing a crucial US license to operate, a requirement following US oversight of Venezuela's oil sector. The company aims for greater operational control, potentially boosting production and recovering stuck dividends. International majors have already received similar approvals.

In today's world, many things are easily found and lack uniqueness, a concept captured by the idiom 'a dime a dozen.' This phrase, originating from 19th-century America, highlights that abundance often diminishes value. The article emphasizes that true worth lies not in commonality but in qualities like character, dedication, and authenticity, urging individuals to cultivate what makes them exceptional rather than blending in.

India has built formidable scale over the past decade, supported by rapid economic growth, a large pool of graduates and the world's largest IT workforce, according to global higher education expert Quacquarelli Symonds. The country scored 89.4 out of 100, with particularly strong performances in Future of Work readiness, where it ranked fifth globally and Economic Transformation, where it placed 14t

Quote of the day by Abraham Maslow: Abraham Maslow emphasized that genuine personal transformation stems from within, not external actions. He believed that understanding one's self, thoughts, beliefs, and self-perception is crucial for lasting change.

An Indian influencer, Khushi Dubey, has gone viral after a heated confrontation with a Bangladeshi waiter at an Italian restaurant. The dispute, initially over a bill, escalated when the waiter allegedly made derogatory remarks about India. The incident, captured on video, saw the group demanding an apology from the waiter in front of Italian police, sparking a divided online debate about patriotism and cultural respect.

Indian banks are bolstering cybersecurity with a four-pillar strategy against advanced AI threats. Focusing on code and identity protection, AI-driven threat detection, micro-segmentation, and zero-trust architecture, lenders aim to counter AI models that can autonomously find software flaws. Plans submitted to the RBI emphasize greater control over critical software and enhanced protection of digital keys and identities, preparing for a new era of cyber risks.

India is also a protein-deficient market. We already have offerings such as high-protein atta, soya chunks and protein shakes, and we will continue to expand this portfolio, said Puri, who added that he shed around six kilograms recently and now sticks largely to home-cooked meals, even carrying them on long-haul flights.