The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Ace investor Warren Buffett's ETF recommendation continues to draw attention as his simple S&P 500 strategy shows how a $10,000 investment could have grown to more than $40,000 in 10 years. Buying and holding a low-cost S&P 500 index fund is an easy way to gain exposure to the US economy. Heres why Buffett favours low-cost index funds and what investors should know.
Rare Arabian coins unearthed in America provide new evidence about a historic pirate heist. Captain Henry Every's crew stole vast treasure from an Indian royal ship in 1695. These coins suggest the pirates traveled to the American colonies after the raid. They likely spent the stolen treasure during everyday transactions while hiding. This discovery offers fresh insights into one of history's oldest unsolved criminal mysteries.
Quote of the Day by Adolf Hitler offers the idea that struggle can shape human beings contains a lesson worth separating from its disturbing historical attribution. Life will inevitably present challenges, but those challenges do not have to define a person's future. What matters is how people respond, what they learn, and whether they use their experiences to develop greater wisdom and compassion.
Today's Quote of the Day by Benjamin Millepied: Benjamin Millepieds quote exposes the psychological toll imposed by high-intensity professional environments. By stating that dancers often lack realistic awareness of their bodies, Millepied highlights the phenomenon of body dysmorphia, where objective reality is replaced by hyper-critical internal narrative.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises is seeking legal advice after SEBI barred it from the securities market. The market regulator also prohibited Chairman Emeritus Subhash Chandra and MD Punit Goenka for one year. This action stems from the unauthorised pledge of Hyderabad land to secure promoter-linked loans. The company asserts this order will not impact its fundraising efforts.
The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League was officially unveiled on Sunday in Chandigarh. Prominent cricketers like Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh will feature in the tournament. This league offers a significant platform for young aspiring cricketers in Punjab. Six teams will compete in twenty-seven matches for the coveted title. The tournament aims to showcase Punjab's rich cricketing talent to a wider audience.
The quote of the day by Winston Churchill, You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life, offers a powerful perspective on courage, conviction, and standing up for what you believe. The timeless words from the former British Prime Minister remind us why opposition is not always a sign of failure and how having the courage to take a stand can shape a meaningful life.
George Washington's timeless proverb offers a simple reminder for modern life: do not judge friendship by how quickly it begins. Give meaningful relationships time to develop, care for them consistently, and recognize that adversity can reveal their true strength. The best friendships are not simply foundthey are cultivated, tested, and strengthened over time.
The Federico Faggin story begins with a chip smaller than a fingernail but powerful enough to reshape modern life. In 1971, the Intel 4004 became the world's first commercial microprocessor, launching today's computer age. Hidden inside its circuits are Faggin's tiny F.F. initials, a lasting mark of engineering history. His breakthrough in silicon-gate MOS technology also became the foundation of modern processors.
India approved one Chinese FDI proposal worth Rs 1 crore during FY26. Thirteen proposals from Hong Kong totaling Rs 610.42 crore received government clearance. Overall, sixty-three FDI proposals worth Rs 10,292.67 crore were approved by the government. Singapore and the UK emerged as top FDI sources by value. These figures align with previous financial year trends for Chinese investments.
Veteran actor Mohan Sharma now resides in an old-age home after a fall from stardom. He once owned property in Chennai but lost it due to family issues. Superstar Rajinikanth provided financial assistance of one lakh rupees to Sharma. This help has been a significant relief for the actor's medical needs. Sharma appeals to the film industry for satellite rights of his film Namma Gramam.
Jaismine Lamboria will carry India's flag at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. She is a two-time world medalist and reigning champion in boxing. India will host the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in the year 2030. The handover segment will showcase India's rich culture and core values. This event highlights the connection of Commonwealth countries through a three-act presentation.
Navigating the shopping do's and don'ts in Bengaluru can be quite challenging. Taking to Instagram, one page named Bangalore Viral shared some tips and tricks to get a good deal from shopkeepers and even buy goods at a cheaper price if you are new to Bengaluru.
Atharvaa's coming-of-age romantic drama Idhayam Murali is finally making its way to OTT after completing its theatrical run. Netflix has officially announced the film's digital premiere, giving fans another opportunity to watch the emotional romance. Here's everything you need to know about where to stream it, the cast and what the film is about.
Indian Creek Island, known as the Billionaire Bunker, offers extreme privacy for the wealthy. This exclusive enclave features limited homes and a private security force. Tech titans Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg own properties there. South Florida's luxury market attracts wealthy buyers seeking tax advantages. Scarcity, security, and discretion make it a premier global address.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least thirteen Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday. This occurred despite President Donald Trump announcing a breakthrough in ceasefire efforts. Israeli officials expressed skepticism about Hamas disarming, while Hamas accused Israel of escalating attacks. The roadmap for implementing the agreement requires Israel to halt attacks and withdraw troops.
Corporate and retail loans fueled bank credit growth during the April-June quarter. Industry and personal loans together accounted for sixty-three percent of this expansion. Petroleum, infrastructure, engineering, and chemicals led industry credit growth significantly. Loans against gold jewellery emerged as the top personal lending contributor. These key sectors drove the overall increase in bank lending.
Lisa Gherardini, the woman long believed to be the real Mona Lisa, is back in the spotlight after historic Florence records identified her reported final resting place. The newly highlighted documents have revived one of art history's biggest mysteries surrounding Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. While many historians see the records as stronger evidence linking Gherardini to the world's most famous painting, experts remain divided.
Israel shared serious security concerns with the White House about the Hamas disarmament deal. Intelligence suggests Hamas continues to rearm and rebuild its military capabilities. Israel will not withdraw forces from Gaza before Hamas truly disarms. The proposed deal involves phased weapon surrender and Israeli troop withdrawal. Hamas disarming remains a significant obstacle to ending the conflict.
Shivalik Small Finance Bank completed its acquisition of ManiBhavnam Home Finance India Pvt last week. This strategic merger cost the bank nearly one hundred and nine crore rupees. The deal establishes Shivalik's presence in the affordable housing finance market. ManiBhavnam brings a loan book of three hundred and twenty crore rupees to Shivalik. The bank plans fresh capital infusion to continue its growth trajectory.
OPEC+ approved an oil production increase of 188,000 barrels daily for September. This move completes the unwinding of voluntary output cuts made earlier. The group is reviewing production capacity before setting new quotas for 2027. Attacks on energy assets remain a concern impacting supply and repairs.
Dolly Parton, one of the most iconic singers in the USA, hailed as Queen Of Country music, was once asked if she regretted not having children to which the Jolene singer said that she had made her peace with not having kids and she had never regretted the decision.
Sir Isaac Newton noted human madness is hard to calculate. He found planetary motion predictable through mathematics and science. Newton's quote reflects human behavior driven by emotions and impulses. This observation remains relevant in today's unpredictable world. Understanding people requires patience, empathy, and experience beyond intelligence.
Proverb of the day tells that the more perspectives people encounter, the harder it becomes to mistake one small corner of existence for the entire world. The ocean is always larger than the well. Sometimes the first step toward discovering it is simply realizing that the well is not all there is.
Americans throw away around 50,000 mattresses every day, but the waste doesn't simply disappear. Some old mattresses can take 80 to 120 years to decompose, while much of their steel, foam, wood and fibers could potentially be recycled and reused. Only 4 US states, California, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Oregon have enacted mattress Extended Producer Responsibility laws.
India's electricity regulator proposes transmission charge waivers for delayed clean energy projects. This policy reversal aims to assist solar, wind, and hybrid projects facing infrastructure delays. The waiver applies to projects with power sale contracts signed by December 2026. Battery storage systems alongside renewable projects will also receive these benefits.
Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu has warned that the IT industry's growing focus on AI is reducing new hiring, as companies divert budgets towards AI infrastructure and data centres. He argues that while AI can make products cheaper and software development faster, the bigger challenge is ensuring young people have enough jobs and income to afford those increasingly affordable goods.
Bikaner police seized ten kilograms of heroin and eleven foreign weapons. The valuable consignment was allegedly smuggled across the India-Pakistan border using drones. Officials recovered the drugs and arms during a special operation called 'Operation Shock Wave'. One suspect was apprehended while attempting to collect the illicit materials late Saturday night.
Exiled author Taslima Nasreen has voiced strong support for the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code in India, asserting that it is crucial for eradicating gender discrimination. She believes similar measures should be considered in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Nature's whitest white beetle is giving scientists a new way to rethink modern materials. The tiny Cyphochilus beetle creates an intensely bright white using microscopic scales that are about half the width of a human red blood cell. Researchers say this natural structure reflects light with extraordinary efficiency while using far less material than today's white coatings.
Ukraine launched attacks across several Russian regions on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities. These strikes impacted areas hundreds of kilometers from the current front lines of the conflict. Ukrainian officials stated these actions are retaliation for Russian bombardments on their territory. Russian air defense systems reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones overnight. Both nations have escalated attacks as peace talks remain largely stalled.
Quomodocunquizing describes earning money through any available method. This old English word originates from a Latin phrase meaning by whatever means. It was popularized by writer Thomas Fuller in the seventeenth century. The word remains relevant today for entrepreneurship and side hustles. Its length and meaning make it a memorable addition to vocabulary.
Wet shoes are one of those small but genuinely annoying problems, especially during monsoon season. Most people either leave them out to dry or point a fan at them. But a growing number of people are stuffing their wet shoes with paper towels, and it turns out there is solid science behind why this works so well.
Quote of the day by Kirk Douglas: Kirk Douglass famous quote, Virtue is not photogenic. What is it to be a nice guy? To be nothing, that's what. A big fat zero with a smile for everybody, serves as a stark critique of superficial approval and performative pleasantry. The iconic actor argues that true moral substance and authentic identity require standing up for core principles rather than attempting to please everyone.
Kansas voters will decide on changing their Supreme Court selection process. The proposed amendment would replace appointments with direct judicial elections. Supporters believe this will shift the court's ideological balance over time. Opponents warn of increased political influence and campaign spending. This vote has significant implications for abortion rights and judicial independence.
Quote of the Day by Jane Goodall: It actually doesnt take much to be considered a difficult woman. Thats why there are so many of us. The British scientists powerful words offer a thought-provoking take on confidence, boundaries and why standing up for yourself can sometimes mean being labeled difficult.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed society's collective duty to ensure dignified lives for all individuals. He advocated for utilizing retired officers' extensive experience to craft long-term community welfare plans. The association welcomed Birla with traditional honors, recognizing his seven years as Lok Sabha Speaker. Umbrellas were distributed to the needy during the event attended by retired government officials.
A traditional Icelandic proverb talks about how leadership dishonesty permeates organisations. When leaders are corrupt, it becomes difficult for others to act with integrity. This behaviour shapes organisational culture and encourages unethical practices throughout the system. Leaders set standards which others are likely to follow in their daily actions. Read on to know why it feels relevant today.
IndiGo marks twenty years by planning a significant international expansion. The airline will induct new aircraft to connect the global Indian diaspora. IndiGo aims to recapture international traffic currently flowing through Gulf hubs. This strategic move will also connect passengers between foreign countries via India. The airline is also focusing on cost leadership and operational efficiency.
Blind chess player from Ahmedabad, Rahul Vaghela has won the Gujarat University chess tournament, beating over 100 sighted competitors from 50 colleges. His friend Dhruv Bhuva, who has partial vision, finished third. Three visually impaired players featured in the top 10. Both train at the Blind People's Association in Ahmedabad.
Michael Dell has shared a 42-year-old earnings statement that he says changed his life by convincing his parents he should leave college and focus on his startup. The viral post has struck a chord online, offering Gen Z a simple career lesson: real results and consistent action often earn trust faster than big plans or perfect timing.
Weather Tomorrow, August 3: Monsoon activity will remain strong across India on August 3. Northern, central, and northeastern regions anticipate heavy to very heavy rainfall. States like Madhya Pradesh and Kerala will experience intense showers and thunderstorms. Delhi-NCR and Gujarat will see cloudy skies with light to moderate rain. Maharashtra and Rajasthan also expect intermittent showers and potential thunderstorms.
Chile's Atacama Desert serves as Earth's closest Mars analogue due to its extreme dryness. This arid environment, with minimal rainfall and biological activity, aids planetary research. Scientists study its soil chemistry and extreme conditions to prepare for Mars missions. Discoveries there have refined strategies for detecting life on the Red Planet. The Atacama Desert continues to be a vital natural laboratory for space exploration.
Hollywood actor Jennifer Garner once shared her beauty advice focusing on outward engagement. She believes confidence grows by looking less in the mirror and more at the world. Jennifer encourages people to spend time on experiences and relationships instead of appearance. Her message challenges today's appearance-driven culture and unrealistic beauty standards. Read on to know why it feels relevant today.
Vincent Pastore death: Actor Vincent Pastore, famous for his role as Big Pussy, has died. He passed away at his home in The Bronx at the age of 80. Pastore had recently celebrated his 80th birthday with close friends and colleagues. He was remembered as a loyal friend and a passionate actor with his aide saying he was totally fine and healthy.
Universal Music Group will introduce a 72-hour premium release window for new music.This strategy aims to boost paid streaming subscriptions in the Indian market.New releases will be exclusive to paid subscribers before reaching ad-supported services.The company is applying lessons learned from its successful China market strategy.
The National Highways Authority of India executed controlled blasting operations on Sunday. Massive boulders blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Chenin Udhampur district. Traffic was temporarily suspended for public safety and risk mitigation. The targeted blast shattered the boulders into manageable debris for clearance. The highway reopened after a thorough safety inspection, restoring vital connectivity.
Many consumers using weight-loss drugs are now shopping more in physical stores. Sizing changes prompt shoppers to try on clothes, increasing in-store visits. Retailers are adapting their strategies to accommodate these evolving customer needs. Some businesses are enhancing styling services and fitting room experiences. This trend suggests a potential shift back towards brick-and-mortar retail environments.

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