The Economic Times

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make a sensational return to Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus, instantly becoming the focal point of the women's singles draw. Despite a decade since her last Wimbledon title, her comeback, fueled by rigorous training and a reported weight loss, promises to captivate audiences.

A father's grief over the loss of his daughter sparked a remarkable movement in a village in Rajasthan. Today, Piplantri celebrates the birth of every girl by planting 111 trees, promoting environmental conservation while challenging deep-rooted gender bias. The initiative has transformed the once-barren landscape, improved the lives of countless families, and earned global recognition for its simple yet powerful message of celebrating both daughters and nature.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is reportedly planning significant changes, including potentially cutting up to 100,000 jobs globally and closing four German plants. The company also aims to reduce investments by 15% over five years. These moves come as VW faces pressure from tariffs, Chinese competition, and the costly transition to electric vehicles. A company spokesperson declined to comment on confidential matters.

Quote of the Day by Maya Angelou challenges the notion that life's traditional milestones equate to true maturity. She argues that merely aging, accumulating responsibilities like jobs and families, doesn't guarantee personal growth. Genuine adulthood, Angelou suggests, lies in developing empathy, accountability, and self-awareness through how we navigate life's challenges.

Amidst allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple, Champat Rai has resigned as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on moral grounds. Trust member Anil Mishra has also stepped down. This follows the UP government forming a SIT to investigate the claims, with an FIR naming a former driver of Rai.

Despite rising obesity and affordable generic GLP-1 drugs, India lags in adoption. Nithin Kamath highlights patient retention challenges with weekly injections and conservative doctor prescribing habits as key hurdles. The advent of oral alternatives might boost uptake, suggesting convenience and long-term commitment, rather than price, will drive future acceptance of these weight-loss therapies in India.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the state will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) following legal procedures, mirroring Gujarat and Assam. The BJP government plans to introduce the UCC Bill in the Assembly soon, fulfilling a pre-election promise. This significant policy initiative aligns with other BJP-ruled states that have already enacted UCC proposals, aiming for uniformity in personal laws.

Parents of Siya Goyal, accused in businessman Ketan Agarwal's murder, demand severe punishment for their daughter if found guilty. Police allege Siya conspired with Chetan Chaudhary to kill her fianc, whom she allegedly planned to reject. Both are in custody as investigations into the alleged murder conspiracy at Lohagad Fort continue. The victim's family seeks justice through the legal system.

Dr Chandramouli Gaddamanugu was a key figure behind Akash, Indias first indigenous supersonic surface-to-air missile system. Over more than three decades at DRDO, he worked across design, testing, integration and production, helping take the programme from a small research effort to active service with the Indian Army and Air Force.

India and Israel are discussing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) covering goods and services, and the agreement could be signed in the near future as both countries seek to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral trade ties, Ofir Amami, Head of Economic and Commercial Mission at the Embassy of Israel, told ANI.

Tension at the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border eased as a group of Nihangs, who had pushed through barricades en route to Hemkund Sahib, agreed to return to Paonta Sahib after negotiations. The group, protesting the arrest of four Nihangs in a Karnaprayag market dispute, called off their planned march. Authorities facilitated their safe passage, resolving the standoff amicably.

Young Indian shuttler Rounak Chouhan stunned world number six Chou Tien Chen at the US Open, winning in straight games. The 18-year-old's impressive performance secured his quarterfinal spot. Meanwhile, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree, and Devika Sihag also advanced in the women's singles, with Kidambi Srikanth completing a successful day for India by defeating Lee Zii Jia.

For the first time, the government has officially named six Indian soldiers, including five from the Army and one from the Air Force, who died during Operation Sindoor. Their names are now on the National War Memorial's Roll of Honour, marking the first formal acknowledgement of casualties from the May 2025 cross-border mission.

Switzerland, a republic, now has a self-proclaimed king, Jonas Lauwiner, who has acquired over 110,000 sq metres of land without payment. He exploited a legal loophole allowing claims on ownerless property. While his royal title holds no legal weight, his actions highlight property registration flaws and have sparked debate on land ownership and legal ingenuity, drawing international attention.

The recent Strait of Hormuz closure, though brief, signals a potential turning point for global energy. Echoing the 1973 oil embargo, this crisis highlights the vulnerability of interconnected markets. Nations are now prioritising energy security over cost, accelerating investments in domestic renewables, nuclear and even coal, alongside efficiency measures.

The death toll from the Taratala warehouse collapse in Kolkata has climbed to 15, with two more bodies recovered and two injured workers succumbing to their injuries. Rescue efforts by multiple agencies, including the Army and NDRF, continue relentlessly two days after the roof caved in. Teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the unstable debris, utilizing advanced technology to aid the search.

Maharashtra's infrastructure sub-committee has greenlit a Rs 1,722.40 crore project to build a 3.55-km road connecting the Versova-Bandra Sea Link to Savarkar Sea Bridge. This crucial link aims to slash travel times significantly, reducing the Worli-to-Fort journey to just 5-10 minutes and Fort-to-Versova to 15-20 minutes. The project also includes provisions for hutment and fisherman compensation, and environmental mitigation.

Delhi Traffic Police has announced significant road closures and diversions on Friday, June 26, for Muharram. Major routes including MB Road, Pankha Road, and GTK Road will see restrictions. Commuters in Central Delhi and the New Delhi area should anticipate disruptions from noon to 10 PM. Authorities urge citizens to avoid affected stretches, utilize alternative routes, and plan journeys ahead to navigate the city smoothly.

Ankur Warikoo's learning platform, WebVeda, offered free annual subscriptions to 500,000 existing users when shifting to a new model, a move potentially costing 100 crore. Warikoo stated this decision honored the trust early adopters placed in him, prioritizing peace of mind over immediate profit. The move sparked debate on customer loyalty versus revenue, with many praising the customer-first approach while some questioned the public announcement.

Students awaiting their CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result 2026 can anticipate its release soon on cbseresults.nic.in. While an official date remains unannounced, media reports suggest a late June release. The examination concluded on May 21st. To check your scores, you'll need your Roll Number and School Number. Remember, a minimum of 33% is required to pass each subject.

NEET UG 2026 re-examination candidates can now update bank details for fee refunds until June 30 on the official NTA portal. This crucial step, part of post-exam activities, ensures timely refunds. Candidates facing technical issues can reach out to the NTA helpline. Accurate bank information is vital for a smooth refund process.

A 94-year-old Andhra Pradesh woman, Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma, has renounced her US citizenship to reclaim her Indian nationality. Her heartfelt plea to district authorities, captured in a viral video, expresses her dying wish to live and be laid to rest in her homeland. Having lived in the US for years, she returned to India in 2018 and now seeks to finalize her return to her roots as an Indian citizen.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged China to reduce the trade gap and diversify exports during his Beijing visit. He sought support for major projects and industrial upgrades. China expressed willingness to import more Bangladeshi products and invest in emerging sectors.

IND vs IRE Live Streaming: Team India embarks on a new era with Shreyas Iyer taking over T20 captaincy, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. The reigning champions face Ireland in a two-match series starting today in Belfast. A major highlight is the potential debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest ever to be selected for the national side. Fans can catch the action live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.

Best Proverb of the day: The German proverb Peace creates wealth, wealth creates arrogance, arrogance brings war, war brings poverty illustrates the recurring cycle linking prosperity, pride and conflict. It teaches that peace enables growth, but unchecked arrogance can destroy it. The proverb remains relevant today, reminding people that humility, responsibility and wise leadership are essential for preserving lasting peace and prosperity.

Kerala Police apprehended six Bangladeshi nationals in Kochi for alleged illegal stay. Acting on intelligence, a raid on a scrap shop uncovered fake identity documents. The individuals confessed to working in the city for months. Authorities are investigating their entry into Kerala and any facilitators. The arrested individuals face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

Turkey secured a 3-2 victory over the United States in their final World Cup match, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Despite the Americans already topping Group D, Turkey showed resilience with first-half goals from Arda Guler and Orkun Kokcu. Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter found the net for the US. Christian Pulisic made his return from injury.

Set up in 1876, the Ajmer Railway Workshop has completed 150 years as one of the citys most important institutions. Beyond locomotives and repairs, it helped shape Ajmers cosmopolitan character by drawing in communities from across India and abroad, leaving behind a cultural and social legacy that still stands today.

US Second Lady Usha Vance playfully dismissed media interpretations of her maternity wardrobe, particularly an $8.75 Old Navy dress, by sharing its receipt. Her husband, JD Vance, humorously suggested she lead the federal budget due to her savvy shopping. This response came after a New York Times piece analyzed the political symbolism of pregnant women in the Trump administration's orbit.

Eight individuals have been apprehended in connection with an FIR filed over alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh government has pledged an impartial investigation, assuring that those found guilty will face consequences. A preliminary report with significant recommendations has already been submitted to the government by a Special Investigation Team.

QatarEnergy has launched a tender to sell crude oil for July-August loadings, offering its Al-Shaheen, Marine Qatar, and Marine Land grades. Interested buyers have the option to load or conduct ship-to-ship transfers between Fujairah and Sohar. This move signals ongoing global energy market activity and potential shifts in supply dynamics.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal received an award in London for his role in strengthening UK-India ties, coinciding with the honouring of FTA negotiating teams. The upcoming CETA, set to take effect July 15, was celebrated as a landmark agreement. Goyal expressed confidence in CETA becoming a model for future trade deals, emphasizing its focus on broader collaborations beyond just goods and services, fostering mutual growth and innovation.

A project from Columbia University has underscored India's crucial involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), presenting a unique chance to establish robust global trading pathways. The research has highlighted India's adept diplomatic manoeuvres to bridge regional gaps while advocating for the solidification of its leadership in operational and digital spheres.

Khalil Gibran's wisdom suggests true character lies not in past achievements but in future aspirations. The article, inspired by Walter Mitty's journey, argues that what we hope to become reveals more than what we've done. This perspective encourages a shift from judging by visible success to valuing potential, curiosity, and the ongoing pursuit of growth, offering a vital counterpoint to modern comparison culture.

Psychology suggests intense pre-flight anxiety, or aviophobia, is strongly linked to past stressful experiences and burnout. A 2024 study found individuals with higher psychological stress, particularly trauma-related symptoms, reported significantly greater fear of flying.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is taking shape as the group phase nears its end. Powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, and France have secured their spots in the Round of 32, alongside co-hosts Mexico and the USA. Meanwhile, several nations have been eliminated, and the race for the remaining berths intensifies with just days left in group play.

Japanese airlines cancelled on Friday more than 100 flights as two tropical storms barrelled towards the archipelago, with authorities advising evacuations in some areas because of possible flooding and landslides. The Kyoto region advised several thousand residents to evacuate, warning of potential landslides.

Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) 2026 city intimation slips are out for over 2.33 lakh candidates. Aspirants can now check their assigned exam city online before the admit card release. The examination is scheduled for July 4 and 5, with different shifts for PGT, TGT, and PRT levels. BSEH has implemented strict security measures, including flying squads and administrative oversight, to ensure a fair examination process.

Venezuela earthquake news: Country grapples with devastating aftershocks following twin earthquakes that claimed at least 235 lives and injured over 1,500. Rescue efforts are underway amidst precarious conditions, with international aid pouring in from nations like the US, which pledged $150 million and deployed naval assets. The situation in disaster-stricken areas like La Guaira is described as catastrophic, prompting global concern and offers of assistance.

Weather Today (June 26, 2026): Widespread rainfall is forecast across India as the Southwest Monsoon advances, bringing heavy to extremely heavy showers to several states. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in many regions. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions will persist in parts of eastern and northern India, with maximum temperatures set to fluctuate. Residents are advised to stay alert and take precautions.