The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
A Chinese proverb teaches that even the largest challenges are overcome by starting with small, consistent efforts. The saying, 'The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones,' highlights the power of patience and steady progress. This wisdom remains relevant today, encouraging individuals to break down daunting tasks into manageable steps.
Bitcoin market crash 2026 analysis: Bitcoin's price decline is attributed to a simultaneous slowdown in demand from two key sources: spot ETFs and digital asset treasury firms. Spot ETFs have seen significant net outflows totaling over $5.72 billion since mid-May, while treasury firms have sharply reduced their buying pace, shifting from aggressive accumulation to caution.
Hollywood star Brad Pitt's quote, Everything is more beautiful because were doomed. You will never be more lovely than you are now. We will never be here again, emphasizes the preciousness of the present. His words encourage appreciating life's fleeting moments, as their impermanence is what imbues them with beauty and meaning, urging us to live fully in the now.
Football is more than a game. Bill Shankly's famous words capture its deep emotional hold on fans. Supporters plan lives around matches, experiencing extreme highs and lows. This passion connects communities and creates lasting memories. The sport's global appeal continues to grow, with billions watching major events. Football's enduring power lies in its blend of dreams, loyalty, and shared experiences.
America's ascendancy to the top spot marks a stunning reversal for a country that was dependent on West Asian oil for decades and suffered from an oil embargo imposed by some OPEC members in 1973 to retaliate against US support for Israel. US fortunes began to change after 2010, when oil and gas output from its shale formations soared, first making it the world's top gas and then the world's top oil producer.
India has placed restrictions on institutional and commercial buyers of fuel. These customers must now source motor spirit and high-speed diesel from their own consumer pumps. The measure is in effect for an initial period of up to 90 days. Retail outlets are also limited to selling a maximum of 200 litres of high-speed diesel per customer or vehicle daily.
Public sector banks' advantage over private lenders is fading. Excess liquidity and low credit costs are diminishing. Liquidity coverage ratios have dropped, and credit costs are expected to rise. Competition from private banks will intensify. Private sector lenders are projected to grow faster from next fiscal year, reclaiming market share.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Global South should not bear the brunt of global imbalances and conflicts. Representing India at a summit, she emphasized the need for coordinated global action and stronger multilateral cooperation to build resilient economies and ensure inclusive growth for all.
The East African nation awarded China Communications Construction Co. an engineering, procurement and construction contract to update and expand the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the people said asking not to be identified as they are not authorised to discuss the matter.
Bank loans are seeing a surge. Credit growth reached 17.4 percent by May 31, the highest in almost two years. This rise is driven by companies seeking loans as bond market yields increase. Deposits are growing slower than credit. This trend indicates a shift in corporate funding strategies. Consumer demand remains steady.
Quote of the Day by Robert De Niro: Robert De Niros quote, Sometimes if you have financial restraints, its a benefit. It forces you to come up with a more creative way, explores the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability when facing limitations. The quote suggests that financial challenges do not always prevent success; instead, they can encourage people to think differently, solve problems more creatively, and make better use of the resources available to them.
Vodafone Idea shareholders approved a 4,730-crore investment from the Aditya Birla Group via preferential allotment of warrants, increasing AB Group's stake to around 13%. Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla stated the company's focus now shifts to execution across operations, customer service, and network expansion. This capital infusion will support capital expenditure and loan repayment, reinforcing Vi's financial health.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced a new framework for community seed banks. This standard aims to conserve India's traditional seed varieties. It provides guidelines for seed collection, storage, and quality. This initiative is crucial as agriculture faces increasing climate challenges. Farmers and local groups can now manage and exchange locally adapted seeds more effectively.
Several states have constituted dedicated multi-member teams to ensure no facility slips through the cracks before a GMP Certificate is issued, people in the know told ET. The inspections will now be applicable to all manufacturing units without exception including MSMEs, which had previously been granted a relaxation period that lapsed in January.
Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi's timeless wisdom emphasizes accepting life's natural and spontaneous changes rather than resisting them, as this resistance only leads to sorrow. His teachings, found in the Tao Te Ching, advocate for harmony with the natural world and finding peace by moving with life's flow, not against it.
The Federation of Indian Pilots is advocating for a comprehensive judicial probe into the AI-171 crash, which resulted in a staggering loss of 260 lives shortly after takeoff last year. They are strongly recommending that authorities refrain from releasing any interim findings, asserting that such reports could lead to public confusion and unwarranted speculation.
A special CBI court in Mumbai transferred a fraud case against Nirav Modi to a magistrate's court. The CBI stated that corruption charges against Punjab National Bank officials could not be proven. The case, involving Rs 321.88 crore, will now proceed against private individuals only.
Air India also said 94% of those injured on the ground have received either interim or final compensation, while discussions on final settlements are underway.
An ET analysis of eight major retailers-market leader Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, Westside, Arvind Fashions, DMart, Spencer's Retail, Pantaloons and Bata-showed that the contribution of e-commerce to overall revenue has seen minuscule improvement since 2021-22 even as online sales continue to increase in absolute terms. By contrast, the Covid-19 pandemic spurred explosive growth, with the share of digital sales in total revenue surging three to four times in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Young moviegoers are returning to cinemas in India. Gen Z consumers are now a significant audience for multiplexes. They seek in-person social experiences. This trend is helping sustain cinema attendance between major film releases. Original storylines and films made by young filmmakers are connecting with this demographic.
India and France are discussing a joint project for a sixth-generation fighter jet. This opportunity arises after a Franco-German plan for a similar aircraft ended. Discussions have already taken place at the defence minister level. India is also set to receive advanced fighter jet engine technology from France. This collaboration could be a significant step for India's future air capabilities.
Young consumers are now driving major decisions at established food companies. Gen-Z and millennials are influencing product development, acquisitions, and marketing strategies. These younger shoppers are health-conscious, digitally savvy, and demand transparency. Their preferences are reshaping the entire packaged foods industry in India.
India is increasingly becoming a long-term structural investment destination rather than a short-term strategic bet. Global capital is moving toward markets that offer domestic demand, policy stability, and supply-chain relevance, and India offers all three, says Tsutomu Takemura, senior managing director and global head of investment banking at Nomura.
The FIFA World Cup has begun in India with minimal marketing buzz. Brands are hesitant due to poor match timings and late broadcast deals. Advertising spends may drop significantly. This muted response contrasts with previous editions. While some regions show fan enthusiasm, overall commercial momentum is subdued.
With an eye on India's blossoming market, Novartis is set to launch pioneering therapies, including radioligand and gene therapies. The company underscores the importance of collaboration to tackle obstacles like high costs and inadequate infrastructure.
US forces attacked three merchant ships carrying Indian sailors off Oman this week. Vessels reportedly switched off identification systems and refused to communicate. Indian crew members were evacuated, with three confirmed dead. India has protested these attacks to the US. The US stated it would assist if vessels identified themselves.
The central government has paused tenders for selling tur pulses. This decision follows a request from the All India Dal Millers Association. They want the government to wait for two months. This waiting period will allow for clarity on rainfall and sowing. The industry fears low production due to El Nino.
India's textile market is set to double to 33 lakh crore by 2030-31. This growth will create nearly 2 crore new jobs. The government is also working to increase handloom weavers' income to 5 lakh. Trade agreements are expanding, opening new export avenues. India is becoming a significant player in technical textiles.
India's partnerships with wealthier nations offer mutual benefits. This strategy leverages India's young talent and competitive costs with developed economies' capital and technology. Recent free trade agreements with 38 countries highlight this approach. These collaborations open new markets and foster integration into global value chains. India's growing economy and large consumer base attract significant investment, creating jobs and driving innovation.
Harsh Pati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Paper Ltd, has been elected Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce. The announcement came after a meeting at the ICC Global Headquarters in Paris. Singhania expressed his honor in taking on the role. Outgoing Chair Philippe Varin will now serve as ICC Honorary Chair.
Greek proverb of the day: Greek saying emphasizes that speech reveals a person's true character, values, and intentions. Careful listening to how someone speaks offers insight into their inner nature, while mindful communication builds stronger relationships and fosters self-awareness.
A touching act of kindness from New York continues to inspire months after it happened. Before his death, hospice patient Frank Ozimek asked his brother to treat the nurses who cared for him to a meal as a thank-you gesture. When most restaurants were closed for Easter, local restaurant owner Tommy Milani stepped in, opening his business on his day off and providing food for the entire nursing staff
A French proverb, 'Happiness is not something that comes out of a box,' teaches that joy isn't a ready-made gift but is actively built. Lasting happiness stems from personal actions, daily choices, kindness, and effort, not just external achievements or quick fixes.
The government is enhancing rural credit by integrating the Grameen Credit Score with the JanSamarth portal for faster loan processing. Regional Rural Banks will expand their customer base and diversify into investment credit, while also promoting digital lending platforms like e-KCC to boost financial inclusion.
The US Senate Armed Services Committee has voted to extend security aid to Ukraine, allocating $750 million. This move signals continued congressional support for Kyiv amidst a Russian invasion. The committee also proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
A Raipur-bound IndiGo flight carrying prominent political leaders including Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was diverted to Nagpur on Thursday night. Inclement weather conditions in Raipur caused the diversion. The flight landed safely in Nagpur and later departed for Raipur. Several other BJP and Congress leaders were also on board the aircraft.
India's economic growth forecast for FY27 has been raised to 6.6 percent by the World Bank. This positive outlook is driven by reduced US tariffs and anticipated benefits from new free trade agreements. While external demand may weaken due to global conflicts, domestic demand and export growth are expected to pick up.
Two men on a motorcycle fired at a gym in outer Delhi's Paschim Vihar, linked to Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang's Anil Pandit group claimed responsibility, citing Randhawa's association with Salman Khan despite alleged warnings. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Ambuja Cements anticipates a 5 percent growth in India's cement demand for fiscal year 2026-27. This follows a stronger growth in the previous fiscal. The company is expanding its production capacity through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Ambuja Cements is also consolidating its cement businesses under a unified structure.
The government has removed excise duty on blending over 20% ethanol with petrol. This move supports the use of more domestically produced ethanol. It aims to reduce reliance on imported crude oil. While this exemption is a step towards higher blends, extensive testing is still required. Most current vehicles are compatible with up to E20 blends.
The Supreme Court has recognized the invaluable contribution of housewives. Loss of a wife's domestic care will now be a separate compensation head in motor accident claims. The court stated homemakers are nation-builders. This ruling enhances compensation for families. The judgment aims to acknowledge the crucial role of domestic care in society. It redefines the perception of homemakers' contributions.
Brazil is actively courting foreign investment including from India while pushing to localise the refining and processing value chain. India and Brazil, South America's largest economy, had decided to fast-track collaboration in this sector during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva''s state visit to India in February.
People with anxious attachment styles tend to be especially attuned to shifts in communication and relationship dynamics. They are often quicker to notice delayed responses, more likely to dwell on potential problems in the relationship and may seek reassurance when faced with uncertainty or mixed signals.
Football fans in India can catch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on ZEE channels and the Zee5 app. Selected matches, including the opener and knockout stages, will be free on DD Sports. The tournament kicks off on June 12 with Mexico facing South Africa. Indian viewers can expect varied match timings due to North American time zones.
India has granted retrospective customs duty relief on specified nuclear power generation equipment imported between April 1, 2019 and January 31, 2026. The move exempts eligible imports from any duty demands for the period, providing certainty to importers and regularising past shipments used in nuclear power projects.
African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of It is the woman who knows her husband. The saying reflects how true understanding comes from closeness, shared experiences, and daily interaction rather than from appearances or outside opinions. It suggests that the people who spend the most time with someone often have the deepest insight into their character, strengths, weaknesses, and intentions.

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