The Economic Times

Smaller parties' Members of Parliament recorded the highest attendance during the recent Budget Session. Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal MPs achieved perfect attendance records. Larger parties like BJP and Congress showed lower average attendance figures. Regional parties dominated attendance rankings in the Rajya Sabha. This data offers insights ahead of the Monsoon Session debates.

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Uttar Pradesh. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected across several districts over the next 24 hours. Widespread monsoon activity will persist across the state for several days. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal, providing relief from humidity.

Gitanjali J Angmo is leading Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protest after his hospitalization. She will lead the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament on July 20. Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike for three weeks. Angmo has remained by his side and taken charge of the campaign. She also serves as CEO and dean of HIAL.

The Karnataka High Court questioned the State Election Commission's separate voter roll revision. This exercise is being conducted in select Bengaluru wards while the Election Commission of India is doing it nationwide. The court sought clarification on the rationale and public expenditure for this parallel revision. Petitioners argue this creates duplication and avoidable costs ahead of city corporation elections. The matter was adjourned after the court requested further details.

Baby-like features, positive emotions, and curiosity, all help explain why pandas are so captivating. Psychology says people who love watching panda videos are often responding to universal psychological processes rather than expressing a unique personality trait.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar requested Canadian assistance for the Indus Water Treaty. He urged Canada to support India's immediate restoration of the treaty agreement. Dar stated India added a new dynamic to the volatile security situation. This action followed the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Pakistan seeks an end to the weaponization of water and adherence to international law.

Khalil Al-Hayya has been named Hamas's overall leader by the militant group. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who died in combat with Israeli forces. Al-Hayya, the exiled Gaza chief, became a central figure after Sinwar's death. Ismail Haniyeh was also killed in Iran in July 2024. Israeli officials reported Al-Hayya was targeted in a 2025 attack in Doha.

An Indian Army soldier helped a woman whose electric car ran out of battery. He pushed her vehicle to a charging station in the intense heat. The soldier remained with her for nearly thirty minutes until the car charged. He then escorted her safely out of the area on his scooter. This act of selfless assistance earned widespread social media appreciation.

Iran's president declared a full-scale war against the United States on Monday. Washington expanded its strikes across Iran, hitting cities and military bases. Iran responded with attacks in Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria, targeting military sites. Sailors abandoned a vessel after it was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the US are reportedly ongoing via mediators.

Quote of the Day: Kobe Bryant's quote A lot of people say they want to be great, but theyre not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness highlights the need for sacrifice to achieve greatness. Ambition alone is insufficient without dedicated effort and discipline and the quote of the day applies to students, professionals, and individuals pursuing goals.

Army Specialist Richard McKinley rests in a unique grave at Arlington National Cemetery. His burial involved a double lead-lined casket and concrete enclosure. This unusual preparation was due to radioactive contamination from the 1961 SL-1 nuclear accident. The accident was the deadliest military nuclear reactor incident in United States history. This event significantly improved nuclear safety procedures and reactor design standards.

Saina Nehwal praised PV Sindhu's improved attack and recent Japan Open victory. She believes champions like Sindhu can never be written off from winning more titles. Nehwal also expressed hope for consistency from younger Indian badminton players. India will host the Badminton World Championships which features capable medal contenders. Nehwal wished the Commonwealth Games contingent well despite some popular sports exclusion.

Andy Burnham has officially become Britain's new prime minister today. He formally accepted an invitation from King Charles III to form a government. This ceremony marks the official transfer of power from the former leader. Keir Starmer was the previous leader of the governing Labour Party. Burnham replaced Starmer as party leader just last week.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda held initial formal discussions with Cockroach Janta Party members. The protesters conveyed their demands, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Talks occurred on a day the CJP called for a march to Parliament. Delhi Police increased security around Jantar Mantar ahead of the planned procession. The protest escalated after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike.

India's finance ministry confirmed no plan to remove equity LTCG tax. This clarification follows recent tax easing for foreign investors in government debt. Domestic investors will continue paying a 12.5% LTCG tax on qualifying equity gains. The exemption for foreign portfolio investors applies to government securities only. This move aims to attract stable, long-term foreign capital into India.

Delhi Police denied claims of assaulting protesters and Geetanjali Agmo. The police stated that allegations of injuries were untrue and misleading. Thousands of demonstrators marched towards Parliament on Monday. Police used tear gas and lathi charges to stop the march. The protest was initially about exam irregularities and paper leaks.

North America wildfires explained: North America faces an intense fire season with millions of acres already burned. Climate change drives increased heat and drought, fueling destructive wildfires across regions. Smoke from Canadian fires has significantly impacted air quality in many United States states. Human actions cause most ignitions, while land managers use controlled burns to mitigate risks. Property defenses and defensible spaces are crucial for protecting homes from wind-borne embers.

Andy Burnham has taken on the role of Prime Minister of Britain, emphasizing a major shift in power dynamics through decentralization. Among his bold proposals are the elimination of digital identity documents and potentially overseeing Thames Water management.

Japan developed a walk-in cooling booth for outdoor workers facing extreme heat. This human refrigerator targets key body points for rapid cooling. The Do Reimon Box offers quick relief and enhances workplace safety measures. Engineers adapted frozen food technology for this portable cooling solution. Such innovations may become common globally as heatwaves intensify.

Psychology says people who drink water from the refrigerator and never refill the bottles are not necessarily selfish, lazy, or inconsiderate. While repeatedly forgetting to refill shared items can certainly create frustration in households, psychologists emphasize that one everyday behavior is rarely enough to judge someone's overall personality.

Oil prices stayed below predictions despite the US and Iran conflict. China's reduced oil imports significantly impacted global demand for crude. The United States increased its own oil production and released reserves. President Trump's statements influenced market sentiment and trader behavior. Saudi Arabia rerouted shipments, and ample physical oil supply also helped.

On Monday, Andy Burnham will be inaugurated as the UKs new prime minister, replacing Keir Starmer, who resigned after two impactful years. Starmer expressed satisfaction with his contributions and the successes of his administration. As the only candidate for Labours leadership, Burnham is committed to instilling a sense of stability, with all eyes now on his upcoming cabinet choices and plans for economic enhancement.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to restructure the SIT investigating financial discrepancies. A senior IPS officer with extensive experience is preferred to lead this crucial investigation. The SIT has submitted a status report to the Supreme Court regarding the Ram Mandir donation theft. Eight individuals have been arrested, and investigators are tracing the money trail for further revelations.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to establish a panel for uniform post-retirement benefits. This panel will address services like drivers and accommodation for retired judges. The court noted significant disparities in benefits provided by various Indian states. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed to form the committee within two weeks. This committee will then submit its report on the issue within three months.

A Blinkit order mix-up led to a valuable lesson for a product manager. The delivery partner refused extra cash, explaining his rating system. He stated that going the extra mile improved his rating to 4.8. This metric directly influenced his future earnings and performance. The incident highlighted how gig workers understand performance metrics intrinsically.

Air fryers can safely use aluminum foil for easier cleanup and food preparation. Proper use ensures hot air circulates freely, preventing soggy food results. Always secure foil with food and keep it away from the heating element. Avoid acidic foods as they react with aluminum foil during cooking. Consult your appliance manual for specific manufacturer guidelines on foil usage.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will receive the Lokmanya Tilak Award. This award recognizes his significant contributions to national security matters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the prestigious award in Pune. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 1st. Several dignitaries are expected to attend the significant event.

Oriental Insurance rejects claim saying hospitalisation wasn't necessary: A Delhi consumer commission has ordered Oriental Insurance to pay Rs 2.24 lakh to a woman whose health insurance claim was rejected after the insurer declared her hospitalisation unnecessary. The commission found that the company had no basis to override the treating doctor's clinical judgment, particularly when it produced no medical evidence of its own to contest the claim.

Mumbai Police have imposed prohibitory orders restricting public gatherings of five or more people. These orders follow a protest by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) against alleged police actions. The party also demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister over exam irregularities. Activists criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike site.

Students and citizens marched towards Parliament demanding the Education Minister's resignation. Police used barricades, lathicharge, and tear gas to stop the determined protesters. Many participants expressed disappointment with the government's lack of response to their concerns. They vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands were fully met. The protest highlighted citizens' rights to question and challenge government actions.

India's net FDI inflows are expected to rebound to $15 billion in fiscal year 2027. This rebound will be supported by healthy gross inflows and moderating repatriation outflows. Policy measures and a nuanced FDI framework are also expected to boost foreign investment. Outbound FDI from India is also projected to remain healthy throughout the fiscal year. These improvements signal a positive outlook for India's capital account.

Five Delhi Metro stations closed Monday due to security concerns over a protest. Hundreds of commuters faced disruptions and were stranded at the closed stations. Protesters gathered inside some stations, raising slogans and chanting patriotic messages. Many commuters sought alternative routes or modes of transport to reach their destinations. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closures on its social media platform.

Aston Martin has unveiled the virtual Dreadnought SUV for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. This military-inspired vehicle will be accessible in select game modes upon release. Players can locate and use the Dreadnought directly within the game's environments. The digital SUV blends Aston Martin's signature styling with tactical gameplay features. It will be available on multiple gaming platforms when the title launches globally.

Night owls consuming high-energy foods late at night show greater body fat. Evening-types eat less in the morning and more after 8 pm. This eating pattern is associated with higher body fat percentage and obesity risk. Women preferring later bedtimes had poorer lipid profiles and glucose regulation. Meal timing, especially reducing late-night eating, can improve health outcomes.

The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates certifying Boeing's 737 MAX 7 and 10 models soon. Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated the MAX 7 certification is imminent. He also indicated the larger MAX 10 variant will follow closely behind. The Boeing 777x aircraft is expected to receive certification after these MAX planes.

Quote of the Day: Robert Browning's quote When the fight begins within himself, a man's worth something emphasizes internal battles over external success. The quote of the day explores that true worth emerges when individuals confront their own inner weaknesses, encouraging self-awareness and personal transformation today. It teaches that facing challenges builds character and leads to lasting growth.

Wrapping phones in aluminum foil offers minimal privacy protection. This method causes phones to struggle for network connection and drains batteries. While it can interfere with signals, it does not guarantee complete blockage. Modern devices quickly re-establish connections after temporary interruptions. Better privacy involves disabling location services and managing app permissions.

Aluminum foil Wi-Fi boost: A simple kitchen foil trick can improve your Wi-Fi signal strength. Scientists at Dartmouth College formally tested this concept in 2017. Shaping foil into a curve and placing it behind the router redirects signals effectively. This method aims to boost coverage in specific dead zones within your home. It is a low-cost solution for targeted Wi-Fi coverage issues.

Andhra Pradesh will soon deploy 500 new Thalli-Bidda Express vehicles for free transport. These vehicles will benefit approximately 2.75 lakh women annually across the state. Postnatal mothers and newborns will receive free rides from government hospitals to their homes. High-risk pregnant women will also be transported for essential medical examinations. The initiative aims to enhance maternal and infant healthcare services statewide.

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of CJP, was apprehended by Delhi Police amid a student protest march. The situation intensified when security forces resorted to tear gas and mild crowd control measures near Parliament. In response, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das condemned the actions of the police and urged MPs to advocate for the protesting students, as the protest began to spiral out of control.

A father seeks justice for his son killed in a maritime strike. He urges Prime Minister Modi to demand accountability from the United States. No investigation report has been made public since the incident occurred. The family desires justice rather than financial compensation for their loss. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister assured support and action on the matter.

Quote of the day Aristotle: Aristotle's timeless wisdom on anger remains relevant today. He taught that while becoming angry is easy, expressing anger in the right way requires reason, self-control and sound judgement. His philosophy emphasises that true virtue lies in managing emotions with balance rather than acting on impulse. These teachings continue to encourage emotional intelligence and thoughtful responses to life's challenges.

In a pressing appeal, the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association urges a swift revision of India's edible oil import regulations. Recent years have seen a surge in duty-free refined oil entering from Nepal, which has moved significant refining operations beyond India's borders, causing negative repercussions for local industries and fiscal health.

Your worktop takes more daily punishment than almost any other surface in the home. The UK has spent years refining what actually works, and these six ideas are worth a serious look before your next kitchen upgrade.

Iran cleric killing: Officials said investigations were ongoing and urged residents to remain calm, saying the attack was aimed at undermining security and stoking sectarian divisions in the province.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the case involving riot-accused Devangana Kalita by staying a Delhi High Court ruling that granted her permission to review previously disregarded documents in a conspiracy matter. The Delhi Police raised concerns about possible trial delays, leading to the Supreme Court's decision to issue a notice to Kalita.

Lupita Nyong'o's quote highlights how guidance, opportunity and belief can transform potential into achievement. It suggests that people can accomplish remarkable things when supported by the right environment and encouragement. An Academy Award-winning actress, Nyong'o is also a prominent advocate for women's rights and representation. Her bestselling children's book Sulwe promotes self-acceptance and celebrates the beauty of diversity.