The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Activist Sonam Wangchuk will leave Medanta Hospital on Monday after a 26-day fast. He plans to visit Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi before his departure. Wangchuk had previously fasted at Jantar Mantar supporting NEET examination protestors. The 36-day agitation concluded with the Education Minister's resignation on Saturday. Wangchuk was moved to Medanta Hospital following a court order.
Delhi Police will proceed with withdrawing cases against NEET protesters after receiving official guidelines. The government has agreed to provide written assurance on protesters' demands by Tuesday. This withdrawal will not halt the investigation into the alleged larger conspiracy behind the clashes. Over 250 people with criminal backgrounds have been identified using facial recognition technology.
In 132 AD, China built a machine that could detect earthquakes hundreds of miles away through a device created by Chinese scientist Zhang Heng. The machine is known as the first seismograph in history. It used a pendulum, metal dragons, and frogs to detect ground vibrations. The invention helped the Han court learn about earthquakes taking place far from the capital and marked an important step in the history of earthquake detection.
Mirabai Chanu secured the women's 48kg gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026. She also set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event. India's Chanambam Rishikanta Singh earned a silver medal in the men's competition. Rishikanta equaled the snatch record but narrowly missed gold. Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan claimed the men's gold with a Games record total.
Chopra, who won gold on his Commonwealth Games debut at Gold Coast (Australia) in 2018 with a throw of 86.47m, missed the Birmingham 2022 edition because of an adductor injury sustained at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. The 28-year-old now returns fully fit and eager to reclaim the title.
Interacting with the participants, many of whom belong to Gen Z, of the VVV programme 2026 that covered 74 'vibrant villages' across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Modi said in the country's border villages, the aspiration for development and the spirit of patriotism are equally cherished. At times, it feels that for these people the country matters more than themselves.
Nandan Nilekani will lead a high-powered task force on examination reforms. He previously co-founded Infosys and chaired the Unique Identification Authority of India. Under his leadership, Aadhaar, India's biometric system, was successfully rolled out. Nilekani also co-chairs the EkStep Foundation, focusing on education and digital infrastructure. His extensive public service and philanthropic work are widely recognized.
A viral video shows many influencers livestreaming on a Chinese street at night. This unusual scene has prompted online discussions about its authenticity and influencer culture. Some users questioned if the footage was real or AI-generated, while others criticized the trend. Discussions also linked street livestreaming to attracting wealthy viewers in affluent neighborhoods. The reactions highlight broader debates around online creators and their audience engagement.
A US-based Indian-American plastic surgeon has spoken out after facing racist and anti-Indian comments online following a video about her bindi. Dr Karishma Reddy shared how the light-hearted post led to a wave of xenophobic abuse, saying she was shocked by the intensity of the anti-Indian rhetoric. She also addressed common misconceptions about Hindu beliefs and traditions, while urging people to treat others with kindness, respect and a willingness to learn about different cultures.
An oil tanker reportedly exploded after deviating from Iran's designated shipping route. This incident occurred amid ongoing diplomatic progress between Iran and Oman. Regional sources indicated that US bombings in the area were intentionally paused. Military leaders cautioned against a broader campaign due to depleting missile interceptors. Iranian forces had previously intercepted commercial ships navigating an unsafe route.
President Trump has paused attacks on Iran to allow more room for diplomacy. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations stated this to Fox News on Sunday. This pause follows thirteen nights of escalating strikes and a weekend lull in fighting. A senior administration official confirmed the president prefers diplomacy but showed Iran consequences. Iran has not attacked its neighbors during this period of de-escalation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that the government has set up a high-powered task force on exam reforms under technology expert Nandan Nilekani.
Municipal workers cleaned graffiti from walls around Jantar Mantar on Sunday. The visual marks of a student-led protest were erased by sanitation crews. Over one hundred workers and heavy equipment cleared nearly sixty metric tonnes of waste. Damaged footpaths and curbstones were also repaired to restore the area. The New Delhi Municipal Council completed the clean-up operation after protesters dispersed.
Moroccan proverb of the day: A Moroccan proverb teaches that meeting basic needs lays the foundation for happiness and productivity. When hunger is satisfied, the mind often feels lighter, making it easier to experience joy, think clearly and stay motivated. The saying reminds us that physical well-being and emotional well-being are closely connected. It also encourages gratitude for life's essentials, suggesting that true contentment begins with appreciating what we need rather than constantly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sarbananda Sonowal regarding Assam's flood situation. He assured full central government support for relief and rescue operations. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team has arrived to assess the damage. The Prime Minister reiterated the safety and wellbeing of Assam's people. The government remains committed to assisting affected families swiftly.
Vijay Antony's emotionally driven Tamil film Nooru Saami is preparing for its digital debut after completing its theatrical run. Inspired by real-life events, the social drama tells the story of a widowed mother who faces resistance after deciding to seek companionship later in life, exploring themes of motherhood, sacrifice and societal expectations.
Nothing can beat determination and perseverance when it comes to 'making it' in the professional field. Recently, a viral post on X, shared by a user named Vikas Alwys recounted the story of a tech professional who did not have an IIT, NIT degree to his name, but ultimately secured a position at Meta and is now a CTO at a startup in San Francisco.
Asaduddin Owaisi has offered an alliance to the Samajwadi Party for Uttar Pradesh elections. He stated his readiness to join hands with Akhilesh Yadav's party. Owaisi expressed a desire to prevent the BJP from securing a third term. He dismissed the B-team label and urged the SP to talk now. The AIMIM chief emphasized a fight for community honor and equal standing.
Mahindra Lifespace Developers saw sales bookings more than double to Rs 925 crore. The company sold 0.6 million sq ft and launched 1.36 million sq ft. Funds collected from customers reached Rs 527 crore during the quarter. Net profit increased by 67 percent to Rs 85.55 crore. Total income zoomed to Rs 977.54 crore from Rs 40.61 crore.
A social media post has sparked discussion on workplace communication by arguing that replying with o problem after helping a colleague may unintentionally downplay the time and effort involved. The post suggests using alternatives such as happy to help or my pleasure, saying small changes in language can improve workplace interactions while ensuring acts of support are appropriately acknowledged.
Amith Amarnath has spent over a decade transforming Bengaluru's public spaces. His organization, Youth for Parivarthan, has cleaned over 400 locations. They encourage citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings and act. The group also runs a community kitchen for underprivileged people. Their work combines environmental conservation with social welfare initiatives.
London Beer Flood: A massive beer vat burst at a London brewery on 17 October 1814, unleashing a huge wave of porter through nearby streets. The disaster, known as the London Beer Flood, claimed eight lives after the flood destroyed buildings in the densely populated St Giles rookery. Although the brewery survived the incident with financial relief from HM Excise, the tragedy prompted the brewing industry to gradually move away from using enormous wooden storage vats.
Waaree Renewable Technologies has secured two significant engineering, procurement, and construction contracts. These contracts are for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic projects totaling 800 MWac capacity. The company received two Letters of Award for these substantial solar power plants. These projects are scheduled for completion during the financial year 2027-28. The contracts were awarded by a leading Indian renewable energy company.
A 26-year-old Bengaluru professional earning 2 lakh a month has gone viral after revealing that he still doesn't feel ich despite having no debt, supporting his retired parents and building substantial savings. His Reddit post has sparked a wider discussion on how financial security, childhood experiences and future responsibilities can shape one's perception of wealth beyond salary and bank balances.
Shriram Finance plans to double its gold loan contribution to five percent. The company also intends to grow its MSME portfolio to twenty percent. This strategic move focuses on expanding its retail and small business lending segments. Shriram Finance will leverage its extensive branch network for organic growth. The lender sees significant market opportunities in these key areas.
The Trump administration imposed significant tariffs on many nations recently. These tariffs target countries with alleged forced labor import ban failures. Critics argue these tariffs replace previous ones and lack clear evidence. Many nations protested the US claims as arbitrary and unjustified. The US has faced challenges enforcing its own forced labor import bans.
Air India is modifying its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet following a US FAA safety directive. This directive addresses potential issues with door assist handles becoming detached from mounting points. The airline is implementing these changes in phases as a precautionary measure. The FAA's action aims to prevent injuries during door operations and potential evacuation delays. Air India operates thirty-five Boeing 787 Dreamliners within its larger fleet.
Madhav Sheth aims to build India's first globally competitive smartphone brand, AI+.He is leveraging two decades of experience from China's smartphone market.The company has already achieved significant revenue growth in its initial operations.AI+ is investing heavily in research and development for indigenous technology.This initiative seeks to strengthen India's component manufacturing ecosystem significantly.
European satellite operator Sateliot is targeting India's growing IoT market. The company has established a local subsidiary to offer low-cost satellite IoT connectivity. Sateliot focuses on machine-to-machine applications, unlike broadband providers. They advocate for a regulatory framework supporting spectrum pricing and service separation. This approach aims to foster innovation and competition in India's satellite communications sector.
A CAG report revealed a Rs 12.86 crore loss for WBIDCL in land allocation, which occurred while allotting land to Flipkart's logistics arm, Instakart Services. The state's nodal agency computed land prices without accounting for water bodies on the site, the CAG found.
Rishikanta Singh secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting event. He achieved a combined lift of 264kg, finishing second to Malaysia's Mohammad Aniq. Singh set a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 121kg lift. His performance added to India's strong weightlifting tradition at the Games. This medal continues Singh's impressive international career achievements.
Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah will not contest the 2028 Karnataka assembly elections. He stated that politics has become thoroughly corrupt and honest politics is under threat. His son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, is expected to succeed him from the Varuna constituency. Age and health also influenced his decision to step away from electoral politics. Siddaramaiah will continue to remain active in public life and raise his voice for people.
The food regulator FSSAI suspended Westend Agro Products' license due to serious violations. Inspection revealed altered manufacturing and expiry dates on many food products. Printing machinery and solvents were found allegedly used for label alteration. Misleading claims, including organic, were also discovered on packaging materials.
Occasional memory lapses are normal, but frequent episodes can drain mental energy. Stress and poor sleep contribute to brain fog and reduced focus. Top Delhi nutritionist Lovneet Batra offers a simple brain-sharpening elixir recipe using natural ingredients. This drink may help clear digital fatigue and refresh memory effectively. Adding walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds further supports brain cell protection.
Washington Sundar is out for the first Test against Sri Lanka due to injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are unlikely to join the Indian squad. Jasprit Bumrah will rest until July 30 before reporting to Bengaluru. B Sai Sudharsan's availability also depends on his fitness recovery. The Indian team will tour Sri Lanka for a two-Test series next month.
Laughter Chefs: Unlimited Entertainment Season 3 is coming to an end with a grand finale packed with tough cooking challenges and a close race for the trophy. As the top celebrity pairs battle for the title, Ankita Lokhande has shared an emotional farewell note, thanking fans and everyone associated with the show for an unforgettable journey.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation will operate additional buses for Kanwar Yatra pilgrims. A 24-hour control room will monitor bus operations throughout the pilgrimage period. Additional buses will be arranged for devotees travelling to Haridwar and other major cities. Officials have been instructed to provide essential facilities at bus stations for passengers. Drivers will undergo mandatory breath analyser tests to ensure road safety compliance.
Undoubtedly smoking can exponentially increase the risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer. However, a doctor revealed on X how it is not the only factor that increase lung cancer risk. Doctor Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine specialist revealed how cooking with high heat without exhaustion can increase risk of lung cancer in non smokers.
Lodha Developers clocked a 4% year-on-year uptick in sales bookings in April-June 2026-27, translating to Rs 4,630 crore. With plans to introduce its first residential project in the Delhi-NCR region, the company is optimistic about long-standing profit growth driven by strong demand in the housing sector.
The Competition Commission of India avoids initiating suo motu cases due to potential conflicts. This regulator now exercises restraint in sectors with existing sectoral regulators. The commission has disposed of 1,237 out of 1,375 anti-trust cases received. A settlement amount of Rs 20.24 crore was imposed in the Android Smart TV matter. This amount was calculated based on relevant Indian turnover and mitigating factors.
Starting new habits mid-week, particularly on Wednesdays, reduces overwhelm and increases adherence. Mondays often carry pressure, making new routines feel unrealistic and heavier. Wednesdays offer a lower emotional bar, allowing goals to feel more achievable and manageable. This approach reduces mental effort and feels like an adjustment, not a major overhaul. Planning, pairing habits, and monitoring progress also aid long-term consistency.
Quote of the Day: Virginia Woolf's quote No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself encourages slowing down and self-acceptance. It reminds us that worth comes from within, not external validation and also challenges constant comparison and the need to impress others. This timeless wisdom remains highly relevant in today's world.
A parliamentary panel recommends vigorous enforcement of penalty guidelines by the Competition Commission of India. These guidelines aim to deter repeated competition law violations by corporate entities. The panel stressed that such violations risk becoming a mere cost of doing business. Regular reviews of the competitive law framework are also suggested by the committee. These reviews should align domestic practices with global best practices for effective regulation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denied national politics speculation. He stated his work remains focused on Mumbai and the state. Fadnavis addressed the NEET paper leak, calling it a national concern. He mentioned the upcoming Public Examinations Bill in Lok Sabha. The Chief Minister also criticized Uddhav Thackeray's recent statements.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle I arrives on Crunchyroll globally July 28, 2026. The highly anticipated anime movie will be available with multiple dubbed and subtitled language options. Fans in India can stream the film starting at 8:30 PM IST on the same date. This installment begins the anime's final story arc, featuring Tanjiro's decisive confrontation.
US pharma tariffs: Experts have urged a shift towards global diversification and prioritising innovation for Indian pharma to lessen market reliance. There are warnings that ensuring patient access to affordable medications should remain paramount.

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