The Economic Times

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.

Aluminum foil hack for steel wool: Steel wool effectively cleans tough messes, but it rusts quickly when damp. A simple aluminum foil ball can prevent this common problem. Placing steel wool on the foil raises it above collected moisture. This low-tech trick helps extend the lifespan of your cleaning tool. Storing steel wool in the freezer wrapped in foil also prevents rust.

The Trump administration is exploring ways to limit access to advanced Chinese AI models. This move could benefit American companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Previous efforts to ban foreign open-source models have been revived due to Kimi's emergence. Cybersecurity concerns and national security advocates are now pushing for these restrictions. A softer approach involving procurement rules and public pressure is also being considered.

Psychology says people who smile at strangers' babies are often responding to deeply rooted psychological and evolutionary processes rather than making a conscious decision. Although not everyone reacts in the same way, smiling at a baby's cheerful face reflects one of the many ways humans naturally build positive social relationships.

Psychology says people who get emotional while watching movies or TV aren't emotionally weak or unable to control their feelings. Research suggests that emotional reactions to fictional stories are linked with empathy, emotional awareness, and social understanding. People may cry, smile, or feel deeply connected because their brains respond to meaningful experiences. This article explains the psychology, theories, studies, reasons, and lessons behind this common human behavior.

Home Minister Amit Shah met with education and commerce ministers regarding the ongoing protests. Health Minister JP Nadda met with protest representatives to hear their demands. Protesters seek the education minister's resignation and compensation for affected students. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas to control the large crowds near Parliament. Government sources indicated potential redressal for some demands, excluding the minister's resignation.

Best German proverb of the day: A German proverb highlights luck and chance in achieving success. Even a blind chicken finds a grain sometimes, suggesting unexpected positive outcomes. This saying acknowledges that not all achievements stem from skill or consistent ability. It encourages humility, recognizing that circumstances can play a significant role. The proverb reminds us that fortune can favor anyone at any moment.

Weather tomorrow, July 21, 2026: The India Meteorological Department forecasts an active monsoon phase for north, east, and northeast India. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected across several states over the next week. Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan will witness increased rainfall activity. Southern and west-central Peninsular India are likely to experience comparatively weaker monsoon conditions. This renewed rainfall phase follows

Quote of the Day by Michelle Obama: Michelle Obamas quote, You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own, explores the importance of courage, hope, and personal responsibility. The quote suggests that even when individuals cannot solve every challenge around them, their

Quote of the Day by MacKenzie Scott: Discover the meaning behind MacKenzie Scotts honest words about writing, grit, and staying committed. Learn why her quote still inspires writers, creators, students, and professionals today. Explore simple life lessons, psychology, and practical advice for building resilience, finding purpose, and continuing even when success feels far away.

At the age of seventy-five, former England football captain and manager Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away while receiving cancer treatment, surrounded by loved ones. Keegan's remarkable career saw him shine as a player for Liverpool and Hamburg, and later as a manager for Newcastle United and the England national team. His indelible mark on the sport will remain a pivotal part of its history.

Quote of the Day by Hilary Swank: Hilary Swanks quote, To me, working out is literally like eating a meal or drinking water or breathing, explores the importance of making exercise an essential part of daily life. The quote suggests that physical activity should be viewed as a basic necessity rather than an occasional task, helping people build strength, boost energy, improve mental well-being, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. It reminds us that consistent exercise nourishes both the body and

Quote of the Day by Isaac Asimov: Isaac Asimov profoundly shaped modern science fiction with his imaginative stories. His iconic robot tales introduced ethical laws which still influence AI discussions. The legendary Foundation series explored galactic civilizations and future predictions. Asimov also became a respected science writer making complex topics accessible. His enduring legacy continues to inspire creators and thinkers worldwide.

A Mumbai court has sentenced forty-four Somalian nationals to life imprisonment for piracy. These individuals were convicted in two separate cases involving hijacking and hostage-taking. Indian naval ships apprehended the accused during anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.

Phrase of the day: The English idiom 'pay the price' describes facing negative outcomes from past choices. This phrase signifies experiencing unpleasant results, which are not always financial. It applies to various situations where decisions lead to difficulties or losses. The idiom has been used figuratively for centuries to convey this meaning.

The United States launched another round of airstrikes on Iran after a US service member was killed in Iraq, while Iran retaliated with attacks on US allies Kuwait and Bahrain, home to the US Navys 5th Fleet. The escalation has raised fears of a wider regional war and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Unprecedented floods have severely impacted tea estates in Nazira Sub-Division, Sivasagar District. Incessant rainfall in Nagaland caused rivers to breach danger levels, submerging estates and infrastructure. Thousands of tea workers and their families sought refuge in elevated structures within the estates. The Indian Army launched Operation Jal Rahat to aid state rescue efforts in Upper Assam. The Assam government is coordinating relief and rehabilitation to restore normalcy.