The Economic Times

Exciting news for aspiring Chartered Accountants! The ICAI has announced the CA Foundation May 2026 exam results will be out tomorrow, July 3rd, at 11:00 AM. Lakhs of students can check their performance on caresults.icai.org. Remember, a 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate are needed to pass. Get your login details ready!

India is set to host 11 major international sporting events in the coming six months, including the World Badminton Championships. Following past criticism of facilities, the Sports Ministry assures top-notch infrastructure, with the minister actively monitoring preparations. This comes as the nation aims to become an Olympic host and encourages National Sports Federations to bid for more global competitions.

India will send Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to Iran for the burial ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The high-level delegation's presence highlights the strong civilisational and people-to-people ties between India and Iran, forming a solid base for their political and economic relations. The funeral events are scheduled across several Iranian cities from July 4th to July 9th.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes the European T20 Premier League is vital for cricket's global expansion, especially with its Olympic inclusion. Captain of the Dublin Guardians, Ashwin emphasized T20's viability over ODIs for growth. He also highlighted the league's role in nurturing Irish and Scottish talent, aiming to foster a culture of daily improvement.

Finding a snake or lizard inside the house is not exactly a rare experience in many Indian homes, especially in ground floor flats, older buildings, or homes near open land. While no plant is a guaranteed fix, some do have properties that snakes and lizards tend to avoid. Here are seven worth keeping around.

Psychology says people who open their heart out to anyone at any place aren't always showing emotional security or trust. Psychology explains that sharing personal experiences without considering the situation can come from different emotional needs, coping styles, personality traits, or social habits. Experts say context, boundaries, and self-awareness matter. Understanding this behavior can help people build healthier communication, stronger relationships, emotional balance, and better decisio

Sunscreen for men, women: The two major types of sunscreens chemical and mineral handle the sun's ultraviolet rays differently.

Psychology says loving the color orange may reveal surprising clues about your personality, emotional strengths and the way you connect with others. Color psychology suggests your favorite color is rarely a random choice. Instead, it may reflect hidden patterns in your thinking, relationships and everyday decisions that quietly shape your life.

A Chandigarh consumer commission has ordered a Bathinda rooftop restaurant to refund Rs 129 in service charge and pay Rs 5,000 as compensation after it was found to have automatically added the charge to a customer's bill without prior disclosure or consent, in violation of Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines issued in 2022.

Psychology says people who like to go on trips with friends often aren't seeking only entertainment. Research in psychology shows that traveling with friends can strengthen social bonds, improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and create lasting memories through shared experiences. Group travel also builds trust, communication, and cooperation. Understanding why people enjoy these trips offers insight into friendship, mental health, and the role social connections play in everyday life.

The Indian Army's Corps of Signals Dare Devils team has set a new world record inside the Atal Tunnel, traversing its length on two motorcycles with ten riders in under ten minutes. This historic feat, part of the 'Wheels of Valour: Sanchar Shakti' expedition, honors Kargil Vijay Diwas and showcases exceptional military professionalism, precision, and teamwork at high altitude. The achievement underscores the Corps' commitment to adventure and national service.

India has once again topped the Athletics Integrity Unit's list of dope offenders, with 162 names, underscoring a persistent doping crisis in the nation's sports. Kenya and Russia follow with significant numbers. The Athletics Federation of India has been re-categorised to Category A, signifying the highest doping risk, demanding more stringent testing protocols due to an inadequate domestic anti-doping program.

India is set to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series starting August 15, with matches in Galle and Colombo. This tour, part of the World Test Championship, presents a significant challenge for India's new captain Shubman Gill, especially after recent struggles against spin. The series marks India's return to Sri Lanka after a dominant 2017 performance and precedes a November tour of New Zealand.

India will send a high-level delegation, including Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, to Iran for the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The visit on July 3rd highlights the deep civilizational and people-to-people ties between India and Iran, forming a strong basis for their political and economic relations. The funeral commences in Tehran on July 4th.

EPFO's online services remain inaccessible beyond the scheduled maintenance, frustrating members and employers. A major technology upgrade for better claim processing is underway, but the portal outage continues. Meanwhile, a new EPF Scheme, 2026, has been rolled out, simplifying withdrawals and enhancing digital compliance, though it's not linked to the current system migration.

Kidambi Srikanth retired early from the Canada Open due to fitness issues, while Tanya Hemnath and Aakarshi Kashyap advanced to the women's singles second round. It was a tough day for India as most other shuttlers, including Devika Sihag and Anmol Kharb, were eliminated in the opening rounds. The men's doubles pair also exited early.

Canva users facing technical glitches today have several powerful alternatives to keep their creative projects moving. From Adobe Express and Microsoft Designer for quick graphics to Photopea and GIMP for advanced photo editing, and CapCut or DaVinci Resolve for video, there's a tool for every need. Figma and Google Slides also offer robust options for presentations and documents, ensuring your work doesn't halt during Canva's downtime.

Goldman Sachs highlights that China's growing market share, not just the trade deficit, is the primary concern for EU growth. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly competing with European firms globally. While the EU may adopt a more assertive trade policy, broad tariffs like those seen in the US are unlikely, as the bloc seeks to maintain access to crucial materials from China.

Bypolls for three assembly seats in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are scheduled for July 30, the Election Commission announced. The vacancies in Bankipur, Datia, and Manjalpur arose from resignations, disqualification, and a death. Nominations close on July 13, with counting on August 3. The Model Code of Conduct is now active in affected districts, and EVMs/VVPATs will be used. Candidates with criminal records must disclose their antecedents publicly.

Popular design platform Canva experienced significant disruptions on July 2, leaving many users unable to upload images or load projects. Complaints flooded in throughout the day as the service faced multiple issues. While Canva's engineering team worked to implement fixes, some users in Australia and New Zealand might still notice slower performance. The platform has since marked the main incident as resolved.

Authorities have arrested 119 individuals following the unearthing of a sophisticated fake international call center in Lucknow. Operating under the name Solaris Solution, the center allegedly used the Dollar App to perpetrate technical frauds and inducements, primarily at night. Police seized numerous laptops, mobile phones, and digital evidence during the raid, with further investigation into the broader cyber fraud syndicate underway.

Bihar has launched the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme, aiming to curb labor outmigration and enhance working conditions. This national initiative guarantees eligible rural households 125 days of wage employment. Bihar's Rural Development Minister highlighted the scheme's potential to further reduce the need for residents to seek work outside the state, with significant budgetary allocations from both central and state governments.

Saleem Ahmad, CMD of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, has taken on the additional role of leading Ircon International Limited. Ahmad stressed stakeholder collaboration and financial discipline in his new capacity. This dual leadership is anticipated to boost synergy between these key railway infrastructure firms, accelerating India's transport development. He has already engaged with Ircon's leadership to review operations.

Monsoon has finally arrived in parts of Rajasthan, seven days behind schedule, bringing relief to eastern districts. The India Meteorological Department forecasts further advancement and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, across eastern and southeastern regions over the next few days. Residents can expect active monsoon conditions and widespread showers throughout the coming week.

A devastating rock collapse at a Bengaluru stone quarry claimed the lives of eight daily-wage labourers, primarily from Bihar. The incident occurred early Thursday morning during quarrying operations, trapping workers beneath massive boulders. While some injured were hospitalized, concerns remain about the toll potentially rising. Authorities are investigating the cause, with allegations of illegal quarrying and official complicity surfacing.

Delhi has rolled out a permanent winter anti-pollution plan, effective November 1 to February 28 annually. This framework mandates strict measures for vehicles, offices, and construction sites, including mandatory PUC checks for fuel, restrictions on older vehicles, and a 50% work-from-home policy for offices. The goal is to significantly curb the city's severe seasonal air pollution.

Tragedy struck in Thailand's Mukdahan province when an 11-year-old boy, driving his parents' truck without permission, crashed into a Buddhist procession. The devastating incident claimed the lives of eight monks and left ten others injured. Authorities are investigating the cause and emphasizing the critical need for enhanced road safety awareness, particularly for parents, to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents.

Over 1.80 lakh farmers in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are set to benefit from a Rs 1,632 crore loan waiver under a new state scheme. The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana 2026 covers crop loans taken between April 2019 and March 2025, with waivers up to Rs 2 lakh per farmer. Farmers are urged to complete Aadhaar linkage for eligibility.

India and Japan have forged a robust partnership, pledging over $10 billion in new Japanese investments and setting a 10 trillion target for the next decade. Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, defense, energy, and next-generation mobility, alongside critical areas like semiconductors and resilient supply chains. This significant collaboration aims to bolster economic security and technological advancement between the two nations.

Delhi's new EV Policy 2026 aims to make electric vehicles economically attractive for citizens. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that the policy combines purchase incentives, scrappage benefits, and tax exemptions to significantly reduce upfront and lifetime ownership costs. Subsidies are prioritized for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and goods carriers, benefiting middle and low-income households and small businesses.

Delhi's power discoms are facing a CAG audit following a massive Rs 38,500 crore in accumulated Regulatory Assets. The Delhi government ordered the strict and intensive probe into how these assets grew, impacting consumers through surcharges. Power Minister Ashish Sood hailed the audit as a victory for transparency and taxpayers, vowing to protect public money from vested interests and wrong decisions. The audit aims to uncover facts and ensure accountability.

Cristiano Ronaldo eyes a historic goal in Portugal's World Cup knockout clash against Croatia, aiming to break his goalless streak in this crucial stage. Having already set records for consecutive World Cup goals and becoming Portugal's all-time top scorer in the tournament, Ronaldo seeks to add another significant achievement to his illustrious career. This match also pits him against former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric.

A new report warns that extending GST to subscription-based ride-hailing platforms like Rapido could significantly impact drivers and passengers. The study suggests this move might lower driver earnings, discourage participation, and reduce passenger demand. Drivers prefer predictable costs and greater control, while passengers are price-sensitive. The report advocates for a clearer GST framework to avoid regulatory uncertainty and maintain fair competition.

Pune police have taken Siya Goyal to Lohagad Fort, where she rehearsed pushing her fianc, realtor Ketan Agarwal, off a cliff. Goyal and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, are accused of the murder, which occurred on June 18. Investigators recovered clothes Goyal reportedly wore that day. The couple allegedly eliminated Agarwal due to his perceived obstruction of their relationship. Both accused are in police custody.

New social security schemes under the Code on Social Security are now in effect, prioritizing digital compliance and faster claim settlements for provident fund, pension, and insurance. EPFO officials face a 12% annual penal interest for delays exceeding 20 days without valid reasons. Contribution structures remain unchanged, with a focus on enhancing online access for members and extending digital requirements to exempted establishments.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo sparked a debate by highlighting a 26-year-old's financial dilemma: a low-return fixed deposit advised by his father versus high-risk futures and options trading influenced by friends. This situation underscores a generational clash in defining financial independence, leaving many young investors caught between traditional advice and speculative trends without proper understanding.

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the Manipur High Court's decision to extend panchayat election deadlines to October 16. Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the government's obligation to comply with the high court's directives. The apex court found no grounds to challenge the high court's order, which acknowledged the state's challenging law and order situation.

Neet Result 2026 Date: Students awaiting re-NEET UG 2026 results can expect them by July 20, according to the NTA. The agency is prioritizing the evaluation of thousands of objections to the provisional answer key. Despite the exam's re-conduct, medical admissions and the MBBS academic session are expected to proceed on schedule, with counselling details to follow soon.

UNESCO has warned Pakistan to reverse econstruction work at Taxila's historical sites, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, or risk being placed on the UN agency's danger list. Concerns were raised about interventions undermining the sites' integrity, with new masonry replacing ancient walls and heights being altered. Pakistan's archaeology department insists the work is conservation, not reconstruction, aimed at stabilization and preservation.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized Japan's crucial role in India's Act East Policy, highlighting joint efforts for a free and open Indo-Pacific alongside the US. India is actively addressing trade regulations with Japan to boost exports during Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit, which focuses on enhancing trade, investment, and strategic ties. This collaboration builds on Japan's prior commitment to invest billions in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart will inaugurate Maruti Suzuki's expansive new manufacturing facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana today. This state-of-the-art plant, a significant step in the 'Make in India' initiative, boasts advanced technology, a focus on sustainability with 100% renewable energy and water recycling, and aims to boost annual production significantly, creating thousands of jobs.

US President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social, depicting himself as a doctor offering a 'treatment plan' for TDS. The clip features fictional patients crediting his advice for their recovery. The video concludes with Trump recommending avoiding 'fake news,' praying, and enjoying a Diet Coke for a remarkable life improvement.

Visakhapatnam is emerging as India's next AI infrastructure hub, attracting massive investments from tech giants like Google and Reliance. The city's strategic coastal location, coupled with potential for clean energy and robust industrial capabilities, makes it ideal for data centers and subsea cables, according to experts. This development, analysts say, promises to boost India's digital resilience and AI capabilities, positioning the nation for significant growth in the global tech landscape.