The Economic Times

Psychology says biting the skin around the fingers may be linked to body-focused repetitive behaviors, emotion regulation, habit formation, and negative reinforcement rather than simple bad habits.

A Thane court has acquitted a husband and his parents in a dowry harassment and abetment to suicide case. The judge ruled that ormal wear and tear of matrimonial life doesn't constitute cruelty, and the prosecution failed to prove a direct link between the accused's actions and the 21-year-old nurse's death. The court found no specific evidence of harassment, highlighting the lack of a direct connection to the tragic event.

India is targeting a monumental $1 trillion in exports this fiscal year, a significant leap from last year's $863 billion. Union Minister Piyush Goyal revealed the ambitious plan, which requires merchandise exports to surge by 17% to approximately $530 billion, while services exports are projected to grow by 11% to nearly $470 billion. This strategic push aims to bolster the nation's economic standing on the global stage.

America gears up for its 250th Independence Day, a momentous occasion celebrating liberty and self-governance. This July 4th also echoes a peculiar historical coincidence: three U.S. presidents, including Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, passed away on this date. Nationwide festivities, from parades to dazzling fireworks, will mark this significant anniversary.

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan established the Army Rocket Force Command to bolster conventional strike capabilities, aiming to counter India's below-threshold responses. India's successful defense, utilizing S-400 systems, blunted Pakistani attacks during the conflict. This move highlights a shift towards non-contact warfare, with both nations re-evaluating their military strategies and procurement plans.

As extreme summer heat pushes more U.S. pet owners indoors, the frozen dog bowl DIY is emerging as one of the smartest dog cooling ideas of the season. This low-cost summer dog enrichment trick combines hydration, mental stimulation, and healthy treats in one activity. Using plain yogurt, pumpkin, kibble, and dog-safe fruit, the frozen bowl keeps dogs busy longer while reducing boredom during hot afternoons.

Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have triggered a severe fuel crisis, forcing curbs on sales and leading to price hikes. Cities like Novorossiysk have suspended gasoline sales to private motorists, while others see Cossacks deployed to manage queues and prevent conflict. Russia is now importing fuel and allowing lower-quality production to combat shortages.

In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate has successfully auctioned a Hawker 800A aircraft for Rs 3 crore. This marks the first time the ED has disposed of an aircraft. The plane was seized in connection with a Rs 792 crore bogus invoice discounting scam run by Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd. Proceeds from the sale will be used to compensate defrauded investors, pending court approval.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany's defense spending, stating the nation is significantly increasing its budget, a move he described as an unprecedented effort to bolster capabilities. Merz asserted that Germany has no reason to feel ashamed of its commitment to defense, especially in light of past criticisms. This substantial investment highlights a new era for German military strength.

Bihar is set to receive a massive financial boost for its urban development. Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has inked a preliminary deal to offer up to 1 trillion ($10.50 billion) in loans over five years. These funds will fuel urban infrastructure projects, including land acquisition, and even support the creation of new satellite cities.

Goyal (20) and Chaudhary (22) are accused of pushing Agarwal to his death from a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district on June 18. Agarwal and Goyal were set to marry in November this year.

Psychology suggests that people who repeatedly say, I'll do it tomorrow, are often influenced by a combination of emotional and cognitive processes. Factors such as emotion regulation, temporal discounting, self-efficacy, habit formation, perfectionism, and the gap between intentions and actions can all contribute to delaying tasks, even when someone genuinely wants to get them done.

Four individuals, including a relative of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, have been arrested in Lahore for the alleged gangrape of two foreign women. The victims, from the Netherlands and Venezuela, reportedly met the prime suspect, Raza Dar, through a cryptocurrency venture. They claim they were abducted and assaulted upon arriving in Pakistan for a business visit. Police are actively searching for a fifth absconding suspect.

America's Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 4th, commemorates the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence, freeing the 13 colonies from British rule. This federal holiday blends patriotic ceremonies with community festivities, reminding all of the nation's founding principles of liberty and self-governance. The journey to independence involved protests, conflict, and ultimately, the formal declaration that shaped the United States.

BLS E-Services has acquired Bengaluru-based Atyati Technologies for approximately Rs 157 crore in an all-cash deal. This strategic move aims to bolster BLS E-Services' reach and impact in underserved communities by integrating Atyati's AI-powered banking solutions and extensive network of customer service points. The acquisition is anticipated to drive significant synergies, including network expansion and cost efficiencies, contributing to long-term growth.

India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a significant dip of $5.65 billion, reaching $666.93 billion by June 26, 2026. This follows a prior week's gain. The primary driver of this decline was a reduction in foreign currency assets and a notable decrease in gold reserves. Special Drawing Rights and India's IMF position also saw minor contractions.

Kashmir's severe mutton shortage has ended after the Punjab government lifted an illegal levy on livestock transport vehicles. Following intervention from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who contacted his Punjab counterpart, the unauthorized fee collection has ceased. This resolution, achieved after days of negotiation by Kashmiri traders, ensures the smooth movement of livestock and alleviates the financial burden on meat dealers and consumers.

Mother Sparsh anticipates a robust 30-40% revenue surge this year, defying broader consumption slowdowns. Indian parents are prioritizing their babies' health and well-being, investing in premium, 'no nasties' products. Leveraging ITC's extensive distribution, the brand aims to expand its reach beyond online channels into smaller cities, tapping into a growing demand for trusted, scientifically-backed baby care solutions.

Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad has apprehended eight individuals suspected of having ties to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. Arrested across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the group was allegedly working to establish an active terror network within the state. Authorities have registered a case against them under the UAPA and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, signaling a significant crackdown on potential terror operations.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of When meeting people, speak only thirty percent of your thoughts. The saying reflects the importance of thoughtful communication, self-restraint, and emotional intelligence rather than speaking impulsively. It suggests that wisdom is not measured by saying everything that comes to mind, but by knowing what to share, what to withhold, and when to speak. By encouraging careful speech and active listening, the proverb reminds us that meaningful co

Orange kittens seem to be everywhere, from family living rooms and college apartments to social media feeds filled with playful feline videos. But their popularity in the United States isn't just another internet trend. It comes from a unique mix of genetics, decades of pop culture, and the way people connect emotionally with pets.

President Xi Jinping has elevated two senior military officers, Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, to the rank of general. This move comes amidst China's ongoing anti-corruption drive, which has significantly thinned the ranks of top military brass. The promotions fuel speculation about future leadership changes within the People's Liberation Army, with the current Central Military Commission expected to be reshuffled after the next Communist Party congress in 2027.

China is forging a new economic corridor linking Bangladesh and Myanmar, offering a strategic route to the Bay of Bengal and mirroring the CPEC's impact on India's western flank. This initiative, discussed during Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman's visit to China, aims to enhance transport links and deepen political and military ties, including a '2+2' dialogue.

Aadhaar holders can now conveniently update their email addresses directly through the Aadhaar mobile app, a new free service from UIDAI. This initiative, available for six months, aims to simplify profile management and enhance security. The feature has seen rapid adoption, with hundreds of thousands already utilizing it. Linking an email provides real-time notifications for Aadhaar usage, boosting transparency and offering an extra security layer.

KP Group has appointed Sunil Kumar Maheshwari as Vice-Chairman, bringing his extensive experience to the boards of its three listed companies. Meanwhile, ITC Hotels is expanding its Rajasthan footprint with a new 145-key Welcomhotel in Salasar, a popular pilgrimage destination. This move aims to bolster ITC Hotels' presence across various brands in the state, catering to the significant visitor influx.

Parimala And Co, starring Jayaram and Urvashi, is set to make its OTT debut about a month after its theatrical release. Directed by Pandiraaj, the Tamil black comedy thriller follows a middle-class family whose lives are thrown into turmoil after the mysterious death of a local troublemaker leads to a murder investigation and growing suspicion within the household. Blending dark humour, suspense and family drama, the film features an ensemble cast including Yogi Babu, Mysskin and Sanjana Krishna

A recent heatwave saw over 410 million Europeans endure scorching temperatures above 35C, impacting vast swathes from Spain to Ukraine. This June event surpassed the scale of the 2003 record heatwave, with millions in France, Spain, and Italy experiencing prolonged extreme heat. Several nations, including Germany and Poland, shattered all-time temperature records, while France recorded its hottest nights ever.

A mission is underway to save NASA's Swift Observatory from a fiery plunge. Launched from the Pacific, a specialised spacecraft named Link will rendezvous with the aging telescope, which is rapidly losing altitude due to solar activity. This rescue, costing $30 million, aims to boost Swift's orbit, potentially allowing it to continue its cosmic observations until September.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has successfully commissioned its 100.8 MW Jewali Wind Project in Maharashtra, boosting its wind energy portfolio to over 3.9 GW. This new facility will supply clean electricity to Tata Power Mumbai Distribution, aiding in meeting renewable targets and significantly reducing CO emissions. The project is a key step towards Tata Power's goal of 100% clean energy generation by 2045.

Gulf airlines like Etihad and Saudia are reportedly eyeing earlier aircraft delivery slots, potentially from Air India's deferred orders. This comes as major planemakers Boeing and Airbus have extensive backlogs, making near-term deliveries highly sought after for fleet modernization. While Air India states its plans are on track, these discussions highlight the competitive scramble for new aircraft.

Meet Bengaluru's Pratitee Bordoloi: Thirteen-year-old Woman FIDE Master Pratitee Bordoloi won silver at the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2026 in Italy, finishing as Indias only medallist. A maths prodigy with a shared birthday with Garry Kasparov, she combined sharp calculation, calm preparation and independent thinking to produce an unbeaten run in the Girls Under-18 category.

Titan anticipates elevated and volatile gold prices due to global geopolitical tensions, impacting short-term jewellery demand. However, the company remains optimistic about India's long-term jewellery market growth, driven by favourable demographics and gold's appeal as a safe asset. Despite challenges like US tariffs and volatile gold prices, Titan achieved a landmark Rs 75,000 crore revenue in FY26, with its jewellery division contributing significantly.

Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered protection for Additional District and Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan after she received threats following a conviction in a 2022 mob lynching case. Judge Khan sentenced 14 individuals to life imprisonment for a lynching motivated by cow smuggling suspicions. The court deemed the threats serious, impacting judicial independence, and directed police to identify and act against those responsible.

Air India and Singapore Airlines' engineering arm are exploring a joint venture to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This collaboration aims to bolster India's aviation MRO capabilities and cater to growing regional demands. Building on existing partnerships for component support and base maintenance, the move signifies a deepening strategic alliance between the two entities.

Mumbai and its surrounding districts, including Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, are bracing for intense downpours as the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Saturday and Sunday. Expect heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas, following a week of disrupted normal life due to the monsoon's delayed arrival. Further heavy spells are anticipated early next week.

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to tie the knot with his fiance Gauri Spratt on July 5th in an intimate home ceremony. The low-key affair will be attended by close family and friends, including Aamir's children from previous marriages, signifying a blended family union. Gauri Spratt, an entrepreneur from Bengaluru, maintains a private life despite her high-profile relationship. Invitations have been personally delivered to approximately 150 guests.

The Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA) is urging the government to eliminate basic customs duties on primary aluminium and scrap. This move aims to lower raw material costs for the crucial MSME sector, boost downstream manufacturing, and enhance India's global competitiveness. Industry leaders believe this will unlock idle capacity and create more jobs, supporting the nation's manufacturing ambitions.

China has voiced concerns over bilateral cooperation that could target third parties, following India and Japan's announcement of landmark initiatives including economic and defense pacts. Beijing emphasized that such partnerships should foster regional understanding and stability, not division. The joint statement also expressed worry over the East and South China Seas, opposing unilateral actions. This comes amid strained Japan-China ties and China's leverage over rare earth minerals.

New Delhi: Legal experts highlighted that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2026 mandates 'debt' and 'default' for NCLT case admission. The amended act introduces phased resolution plan approval, restored CIRP before liquidation, and bars resolution professionals from acting as liquidators. Competition law saw a surge in merger control cases, with the CCI's approval timelines shrinking. The Supreme Court also clarified rules on merger notifications.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led DAC greenlit defense procurements worth 52,000 crore, bolstering the Army, Navy, and Air Force with advanced capabilities. Key acquisitions include anti-drone systems, missiles, and unmanned warfare technology. The approvals aim to significantly enhance operational readiness against modern aerial and mechanized threats, ensuring a stronger defense posture for India.

New IISc Bengaluru study: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have found that low-frequency ultrasound can selectively kill oral cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unharmed. The study, conducted with clinicians at MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, could help pave the way for less invasive and more targeted treatments for one of Indias most common cancers.

Hundreds of medical coders in Kochi and Kozhikode faced abrupt termination from a US-based healthcare firm, sparking outrage. Employees reported being forced out without notice, prompting intervention from Kerala's Labour Department and local MLA Uma Thomas. The company has agreed to discuss compensation and has put further terminations on hold pending a meeting with the Labour Secretary, aiming to prioritise employee continuation in service.

JSW Steel has initiated construction on a significant 2 million tonne steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, a project valued at over Rs 16,350 crore. This ambitious venture, to be developed in two phases by its subsidiary JSW Rayalaseema Steel Ltd, will initially focus on a 1 MTPA integrated plant for low-carbon steel.