The Economic Times

Kevin Warsh's first Federal Reserve meeting as chair saw interest rates held steady, but a shift away from forward guidance blindsided traders. New projections and Warsh's emphasis on price stability led markets to price in potential rate hikes within months, injecting uncertainty into financial markets.

A startup founder's frustration over land acquisition for a satellite factory near Bengaluru has ignited a fierce competition between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Both states are actively wooing Pixxel, with Karnataka assuring support and Andhra Pradesh highlighting its investor-friendly initiatives and dedicated aerospace parks.

The Italian proverb Chi fa da s, fa per tre teaches the value of self-reliance and initiative. Meaning He who does things by himself, does the work of three, the saying suggests that personal effort and determination often produce efficient results. Popular for generations, it encourages individuals to take responsibility, trust their abilities and act decisively when faced with challenges.

The government will decide on extending import duty exemptions for 40 products after June 30. This decision hinges on the evolving situation in West Asia and its impact on cargo movement. Revenue implications for the government are also a key consideration. The current exemption was put in place to support domestic industries facing supply chain disruptions.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a friendly tone during their first face-to-face meeting in over a year, with Trump calling Modi a long-time friend and a tough trade negotiator despite his calm demeanor.

The landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force from July 15, 2026, with the government working to ensure that customs notifications and related processes are put in place so that exporters can start availing concessions from day one, senior government sources told ANI.

Actress Sara Arjun, celebrating her 21st birthday on June 18, 2026, has established herself in Bollywood with her role in the Dhurandhar franchise. Beginning her career at a young age, she gained recognition for her breakthrough performance in the Tamil film Deiva Thirumagal and has since worked across multiple film industries.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, contingent on allies taking greater responsibility for their own security. He criticized European nations for denying U.S. forces access to bases for potential attacks on Iran, deeming it shameful and putting American troops at risk.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Karunya Plus KN-628 results for Thursday, 18 June 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the Rs 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of other winning numbers here.

India will allow imports of up to 3.78 lakh conventional-engine passenger cars from the UK at concessional duties under a new trade pact starting July 15. Import duties will fall from 110% to 10% with quotas, while Indian electric and hybrid cars will gain duty-free access to the UK market from the sixth year.

Washington's decision to rename the US Indo-Pacific Command back to Pacific Command has sparked debate over India's strategic importance. Despite assurances from President Trump, analysts view the move as a symbolic downgrading, occurring amidst existing bilateral friction and concerns about US policy in Asia.

Farmers in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are shifting to water-saving rice farming techniques. Facing potential El Nino impacts, cultivators are embracing Direct Seeded Rice and Alternate Wetting and Drying. These methods significantly reduce water usage and labor costs. The Dr Reddy's Foundation is actively promoting these changes, alongside soil health improvements, to ensure sustainable agriculture in the region.

Nestled in West Sikkim, Khecheopalri Lake, known as the Wishing Lake, is a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus, believed to grant wishes. Its unusually clean waters, attributed by locals to guardian birds, have captivated visitors, drawing renewed attention through viral videos showcasing its serene beauty and spiritual aura.

President Droupadi Murmu stated that indigenous people's connection with nature offers peace. Their traditions of worshipping earth and trees embody harmony. This way of life contrasts with rampant materialism. Tribal communities live with self-respect and patience. Real empowerment includes economic development and spiritual awakening. Organic farming is returning as foreign pesticides harm land. The Brahma Kumaris are supporting indigenous communities.

India's ban on Telegram stemmed from a dispute over alleged NEET exam paper leaks, with the government accusing the messaging platform of failing to proactively remove channels offering leaked papers and related scams. Documents reviewed by Reuters show weeks of exchanges between the IT Ministry and Telegram before New Delhi imposed an emergency ban on June 16.

A dried-up Bengaluru pond, Bikkanahalli Kunte, has been revived in just 24 hours by environmentalist Gurunandan Rao and volunteers. After months of securing permissions and addressing encroachments, the team cleared silt and waste, restoring the water body. The successful restoration has already attracted wildlife and improved local water storage capacity.

After 4.5 years at INR 70k, an employee was unexpectedly laid off. The same day, they received a WFH job offer paying INR 1.58 lakhs monthly in USD. This significant salary jump, while life-changing, has left the individual questioning their past worth and feeling a sense of disbelief.

The Delhi High Court has refused to relax the mandatory 30-day waiting period prescribed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, for a couple seeking early solemnisation of their marriage due to the groom's impending overseas employment.

Entrepreneur Ankiti Bose has received interim relief from a Delhi court. The Dwarka Court has ordered the removal of a defamatory article. The court restrained defendants from publishing similar content. Bose is a complainant in a Mumbai FIR. The court emphasized media caution in reporting ongoing investigations. This order protects Bose's reputation and ensures fair justice.

Ancient marine fossils, locally called 'Asura Hadda', have been found in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. These 15-million-year-old discoveries point to a shallow sea that once covered the area. Researchers found shark teeth, vertebrae, fish bones, and mollusc shells. This site offers a glimpse into a rich prehistoric marine ecosystem. Further research is needed to understand the sea's recession.

Tesco's chief executive Ken Murphy stated that a recent slowdown in sales growth should not be overemphasized. He linked the performance to the weather. Last year's sales growth was exceptional due to outstanding weather conditions. Murphy believes the weather is the biggest factor impacting the market. The group faced a tough comparative period.

The government has approved an 8.25% interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY26, clearing the proposal recommended by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) Central Board of Trustees in March. The interest is expected to be credited to the accounts of over seven crore EPF subscribers later this month.

A Delhi court has declined a woman's request for interim maintenance despite her husband's monthly income exceeding Rs 1 lakh, observing that such relief is not an automatic consequence merely because one spouse earns more than the other. The court noted that the woman was educated, gainfully employed and earning over Rs 60,000 a month.

A colossal air purification tower in China, standing over 100 meters tall, has shown promising results in tackling smog. Researchers reported a 15% reduction in harmful PM2.5 particles across a 10-square-kilometer area during 2018 tests. This solar-powered giant, the world's largest of its kind, offers hope for cleaner air in heavily polluted cities.

US-Iran Peace MoU: The US and Iran have signed a preliminary 14-point memorandum of understanding, outlining plans for sanctions relief, economic cooperation, and de-escalation of military tensions. The agreement includes provisions for releasing frozen assets and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations entering a 60-day negotiation period to finalize a comprehensive deal.

AP Inter Supplementary Results 2026: The Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh has released the AP Intermediate Supplementary Results for 2026. Students can now check their marks for both first and second year courses online. The results are available on the official BIEAP websites. Candidates can also access their marks through a WhatsApp service and DigiLocker.

India mandates E20 petrol from April 1, 2026. Viral claims suggest E20 attracts ants due to sugar. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) refutes this, calling it baseless. Fuel-grade ethanol undergoes purification, removing sugars. Denaturants in ethanol repel insects. BPCL confirms E20 petrol does not attract ants or insects around fuel caps.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung anticipates a golf game with Donald Trump. The US president made a pledge for a round of golf during G7 talks in France. President Lee received a 'pinky promise' from Trump's wife to seal the agreement. Trump also gifted President Lee a golf marker. The leaders discussed Korean Peninsula peace and bilateral relations.

Nagaland State Lottery Sambad Dear Thursday Weekly draw results for 18 June 2026 have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the 1 Crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of winning numbers here.

Almost 50 fires have ripped through Kenyan schools this year, 16 schoolgirls have died, and more than 100 schools have temporarily closed. It's not an issue that is coming to surprise people, said Peter Kinyanjui, who survived a school fire when he was a teenager some 20 years ago.

A Bengaluru resident's viral social media post likens Indian apartment complexes to sovereign nations. These communities possess their own governments, bureaucracy, and parliamentary sessions held on WhatsApp. Residents passionately engage in internal politics, debating issues like parking and maintenance charges with the intensity of constitutional crises. The spirit of democracy thrives within these gated communities.

Children in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat are struggling with unbearable classroom heat exceeding 29C, prompting a grassroots project to monitor Burning classrooms. Teachers report the rising temperatures are a significant barrier to learning, with students experiencing headaches. Spain, a climate change hotspot, sees many older schools ill-equipped for increasingly intense heatwaves.

ica result 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has announced the CA Final Result 2026. Candidates can now check their scores on the official ICAI results website. Accessing the scorecard requires login credentials. Students should keep their roll number and registration details ready. The online scorecard will show subject-wise marks and the overall aggregate score.

Quote of the Day by Wilhelm Wundt: Wilhelm Wundt's quote suggests that our minds perform many complex tasks without conscious effort, often arriving at conclusions before we fully understand how they were formed. It highlights the power of the subconscious mind and reminds us that learning, decision-making and personal growth often happen beneath our awareness. The quote also encourages patience, self-reflection and curiosity about the way human thinking works.

Ukraine launched a massive drone assault on Moscow, causing fires and evacuations. The attack targeted the capital and its surrounding regions. Russian air defenses reported intercepting hundreds of drones. This significant strike occurred as President Putin prepared to host Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan. The conflict in Ukraine continues with no diplomatic resolution in sight.

A former Delhi Police Sub-Inspector, Nishant Tomar, left a secure government job in India to pursue a career as a real estate agent in Australia. He shared his journey of starting from scratch, facing uncertainties, and building a successful career, inspiring many Indians abroad to embrace calculated risks for significant life changes.

Navi Mumbai police have filed an FIR against eight individuals, including shipping company owners and staff, for allegedly defrauding 75 people of Rs 1.73 crore. The accused lured victims with promises of high-paying jobs, collected substantial sums over two months, and then ceased communication when job placements failed. A probe is currently underway.