The Economic Times

A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz reported being struck by an unknown projectile. Its crew abandoned the vessel and boarded a lifeboat, according to UKMTO. Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated two oil tankers caught fire after explosions. Rescue teams are removing crews from the affected area. Tensions have escalated in the waterway since early July.

Petrol, Diesel Prices Today: Indian fuel prices remained unchanged on Monday, July 21, despite global crude oil falling below ninety dollars. Retail fuel costs are influenced by taxes, freight, and exchange rates, not just crude prices. Oil marketing companies review prices daily, but revisions do not always occur immediately. Consumers can check prices via SMS or official websites for their specific city.

Southeast Asian ministers meet amid global and regional instability this week. Tensions between the United States and Iran are casting a shadow over discussions. Maritime disputes in the South China Sea also demand attention from diplomats. ASEAN's peace initiative for Myanmar continues to struggle for traction. U.S. officials reaffirm commitments to allies facing new threats.

China and the Philippines are locked in a war of words following a maritime encounter that escalated into physical confrontation. Manila reported that a navy personnel was struck with a wooden baton, while Beijing countered, alleging that Philippine vessels instigated the incident by attacking Chinese officers first.

Large companies are increasingly choosing premium managed offices in Grade A+ buildings, prioritising hospitality-led services, flexibility and employee experience over traditional workspaces. Enterprise occupiers now account for nearly 70% of flex seat demand, with premium operators expected to command an even higher pricing advantage as corporate demand continues to grow.

Delhi Police lodged an FIR after violence erupted during a CJP protest march. Over 118 police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes on Monday. Protesters attacked security forces and vandalized government vehicles and public property. Around 70 protesters were detained as legal proceedings were initiated against them. Police stated strict action would be taken against all involved in unlawful activities.

Trump held discussions with the newly appointed British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, with their talks encompassing key topics such as North Sea oil and trade agreements. Furthermore, they delved into military partnerships and the urgent need for demining in the Hormuz Strait, with Burnham reaffirming London's dedication to defense and security measures.

Weather today, July 21: The India Meteorological Department forecasts a monsoon surge bringing heavy rains. Widespread rainfall is expected across north, east, and northeast India this week. Delhi, Mumbai, and several other states will witness moderate to heavy showers. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face extremely heavy rainfall, risking landslides. Residents should monitor advisories as monsoon activity intensifies.

Delhi, Noida, Gurugram rain: Light rainfall brought relief to Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning. The India Meteorological Department forecasts more rain over the next two days. A yellow alert has been issued for the city, indicating potential heavy showers. Noida and Gurugram can expect the wettest periods this week. Rainfall activity is expected to ease after July 22.

A tanker was attacked early Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Two other ships faced assaults in the strait over the last day. The United States military conducted its tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iran. Nearly one hundred US service members have been injured since early July. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the growing conflict.

A Chinese destroyer conducted live-fire drills near Japan's Okinotori Island early Sunday. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted Chinese and Russian naval vessels operating together. The Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer conducted the exercise within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The International Monetary Fund board approved $690 million for Ukraine's loan program. This funding brings total disbursements to about $2.2 billion under the existing arrangement. Ukraine maintained macroeconomic stability despite ongoing Russian attacks and war effects. However, economic outlook weakened due to infrastructure attacks and regional conflicts.

Psychology says people who still send handwritten letters to people aren't avoiding technology. Research suggests this habit may reflect emotional investment, deeper communication and stronger social connection. Handwritten letters often require time, attention and personal effort. Psychology explains how writing by hand can support memory, emotional expression and meaningful relationships. Here is what psychology theories, studies and communication experts say about this behavior and the lesson

Quote of the day by Carol Burnett reminds people that adolescence is a period filled with physical changes, emotional struggles, and self-doubt. Her famous line compares teenage life to one big walking pimple, showing that growing up can feel uncomfortable. The quote also teaches that these experiences are temporary. It encourages people to accept change, use humor during difficult times, and focus on personal growth instead of temporary challenges.

Japanese proverb of the day: Life constantly changes, requiring people to adjust their habits and approaches. This ability to adapt helps individuals navigate unexpected challenges and new responsibilities. Flexibility allows people to learn from experiences and find new ways to move forward. Environments and circumstances can significantly shape behavior and attitudes over time.

Psychology says people who dance with full energy on the floor aren't always trying to attract attention. Psychology suggests that dancing with freedom can reflect emotional expression, confidence, stress relief, and social bonding. Many studies explain that movement helps people process emotions and connect with others. This article explains what psychology says, the theories behind the behavior, research findings, and the life lessons people can learn from dancing without hesitation.

A French proverb highlights that personal experience does not define universal truth. Our understanding of the world is limited by our individual observations. True wisdom begins with acknowledging these personal perspective limitations. This timeless message encourages humility and continuous lifelong learning. Embracing curiosity leads to greater understanding and better decisions.

The income tax e-filing portal has been upgraded to handle increased filings. Revenue from long-term capital gains rose significantly in assessment year 2025-26. The Centre's debt as a percentage of GDP has declined to 58.2%. MSME exports and industrial training institutes have both seen expansion. Capital expenditure has seen a substantial five-fold increase since 2014.

The idiom 'keep someone at arm's length' describes emotional distance and deliberate closeness avoidance. This phrase originates from a physical image of maintaining space between individuals. People maintain this distance for self-protection, privacy, or fear of vulnerability. It is important to distinguish this from simple physical separation or outright rejection. Understanding this idiom helps in navigating various personal and professional relationships.

Japanese mindset of the day: A Japanese saying emphasizes that kind words can be more persuasive than strong arguments. Appreciation and positive communication foster receptiveness and encourage listening. A respectful approach creates a better atmosphere for understanding different viewpoints. Harsh criticism often leads to immediate rejection of new ideas.

Vijay Singh will step down as a Sir Ratan Tata Trust trustee on August 14. His departure follows internal differences and regulatory scrutiny within the Tata Trusts. Singh cited a disquieting atmosphere after Ratan Tata's passing as a reason for leaving. He will continue as a trustee for the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust for another year. This exit occurs while the trusts face challenges with board meetings and representation.

Maharashtra charity commissioner seeks explanation from Noel Tata regarding a 1989 share transfer. The regulator will decide on an independent inquiry after reviewing the response. A trustee alleged the transfer unlawfully moved public charitable trust assets to private hands. Tata Trusts denied the allegations, calling them baseless and unsubstantiated. The commissioner directed Noel Tata to submit documents and clarify transaction aspects.

India's speciality tea market has tripled to 1,000 crore in five years. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this growth with premium tea preferences. Rising health awareness and unique origin stories fuel this emerging trend. Companies are focusing on higher-value products, increasing accessibility through e-commerce. This shift represents a conscious lifestyle choice for younger consumers.

Quote of the day by William Ernest Henley reminds readers to embrace life with courage, purpose, and action. The line, Life life let there be life!, encourages people to face challenges instead of avoiding them. The quote reflects Henley's own struggles with illness and his belief in resilience. His words continue to inspire people to participate fully in life, overcome difficulties, and shape their own future through determination.

Farooq Abdullah, the president of Jammu and Kashmir's National Conference, spearheaded a protest in Delhi on Monday at J&K House. The gathering, which occurred on the first day of the Parliament's monsoon session, saw participants fervently advocating for the immediate restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. They implored the central government to respect its prior commitments made to both Parliament and the judiciary.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of After victory, tighten your helmet strap. The saying reflects the importance of humility, preparation, and continued effort even after achieving success. It suggests that victory should not lead to overconfidence or carelessness, as new challenges can appear at any time. The proverb reminds us that maintaining discipline, staying alert, and continuing to improve are essential for long-term success. Rather than viewing achievements as the end

The Supreme Court will direct CBSE to change APAAR ID consent forms. Parents must be allowed to refuse consent or opt out of the scheme. The court will also address concerns over student data protection and storage. This follows a petition challenging the APAAR ID scheme's validity. Strict compliance with the data protection act will be ensured.

Quote of the day By Susan Hayward: Susan Hayward's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Movies provided an escape and inspired her ambition for financial success. She became a determined woman who pursued her dreams relentlessly. Hayward achieved significant success in Hollywood, earning an Academy Award.

The Supreme Court upheld a Delhi High Court ruling quashing tenders for consular services. This decision impacts Indian missions in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. The court directed that services must continue uninterrupted during fresh tender processes. Existing bidders may be engaged to ensure seamless operations. The government's plea challenging the high court's judgment was dismissed.

Nearly a quarter of national highways will be built in seven states facing elections. These states will also receive almost twenty percent of total projects awarded this year. Highway projects signal development pace and priority approvals are expected soon. The ministry has set targets for awarding and constructing national highways this fiscal year. This focus aims to boost infrastructure development and influence state election outcomes.

The Supreme Court cautioned against politicizing the Ayodhya Ram Mandir funds embezzlement case. A three-member bench will ensure a proper investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. The Uttar Pradesh government stated a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. Petitioners seek accountability and preservation of donation receipts for transparency. The court will examine the investigation aspect and posted the matter for July 27.

The Parliament's monsoon session kicked off with significant unrest as opposition members disrupted the Lok Sabha. Protests over paper leaks and various concerns led to multiple adjournments of the proceedings. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal took the floor to introduce a bill aimed at enhancing the Supreme Court's judge count. However, persistent protests from opposition members forced the House to adjourn for the day.

Thousands of students protested in Delhi over alleged examination paper leaks. Police used tear gas and barricades to stop their march towards Parliament. Union minister J P Nadda met with protest leaders for discussions on their demands. The day-long agitation disrupted traffic and led to Parliament adjournments. Protesters stated the agitation would continue until their demands are met.

Outward foreign direct investment commitments dropped by 48 percent in June. Equity commitments also saw a substantial decrease compared to the previous year. Debt and guarantee issuances by Indian entities overseas also declined during the month. These provisional figures were released by the Reserve Bank of India. ONGC Videsh Rovuma made the largest equity investment in Mozambique.

NaBFID will issue zero-coupon bonds valued at twenty thousand crore rupees. This move supports the institution's long-term capital mobilization for infrastructure projects. Investors will receive the full redemption amount after a ten-year maturity period. The Central Board of Direct Taxes approved the necessary tax framework for this issuance. NaBFID can issue these bonds until March thirty-first, twenty twenty-eight.

India's core sector output grew five percent year-on-year in June. This growth accelerated from May's 3.2 percent, reaching a five-month high. Iron ore production surged significantly, while cement and electricity also showed sustained growth. Crude oil and natural gas output remained under pressure during the month. Fertiliser production also continued its decline, marking four consecutive months of contraction.

India has opened the application process for 2026 import quotas under the India-UK CETA. This significant trade agreement facilitates reduced customs duties on vehicles imported from the UK, lowering tariffs from approximately 110% to just 10%.

Quote of the day by Kevin Keegan message offers a practical roadmap for living with greater joy and purpose. Approaching every opportunity with enthusiasm creates richer experiences. Letting go of regret frees emotional energy for new possibilities. Together, these habits encourage a life focused on growth rather than limitation. In today's fast-changing world, where uncertainty has become part of everyday life, Keegan's timeless wisdom reminds us that happiness often depends less on perfect cir

Japanese Mindset: The Japanese philosophy of Oubaitori encourages individuals to stop comparing their life journeys. This mindset teaches that everyone blossoms in their own unique season and way. Modern life often fuels comparison through social media highlights and achievements. Oubaitori reminds us that each person grows under different circumstances and timelines. Focusing on personal progress fosters self-worth and a richer life experience.

John Healey, a former defence minister, has been appointed finance minister by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Healey previously served as a junior minister in the Treasury department under Gordon Brown. He had advocated for increased defence spending, which contributed to Starmer's departure. Analysts reacted positively to Healey's appointment, noting his Treasury experience. This move suggests Burnham respects market checks on his policy initiatives.

Gwen Stefani encourages embracing age with confidence and self-acceptance. Her message emphasizes that youth is a mindset, not a number. Experience grants permission to fully embrace individuality and personal style. Modern culture often fights aging, but Stefani challenges this perspective. Life's richness grows with age, offering new possibilities and joy.

California and eleven states secured a pause on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argued the massive media merger would harm competition and raise prices. The states also cited potential job cuts and information sharing as irreversible harms. Paramount's chief executive sought to create a major rival to Netflix and Disney. This legal challenge threatens to derail the company's ambitious transformation plans.

Delhi Police alleged that CJP protesters turned unruly, aggressive and violent during Monday's demonstration in New Delhi, accusing them of attacking police personnel, damaging public property and trying to breach barricades despite repeated warnings. Police said 70 protesters were detained.

India has joined the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies, prohibiting harmful fishing practices. This pact safeguards traditional fishers and excludes aquaculture and inland fisheries from its scope. India's trade policy review is scheduled for July 21 and 23, covering recent economic performance. The review will assess India's resilience and sustained high growth rates post-pandemic. Numerous questions and statements are expected during this important WTO meeting.