The Economic Times

Ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus taught that our suffering stems not from events themselves, but from our interpretations. He emphasized that while external circumstances are often beyond our control, we can master our thoughts and reactions. This timeless wisdom, still relevant today, encourages focusing on what we can influence our attitudes and choices to achieve inner peace and resilience amidst life's challenges.

Tamil cinema mourns the loss of K. Bhagyaraj, the acclaimed Screenplay King, who passed away at 73 after a cardiac arrest. Renowned for his simple yet captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and sharp humour, Bhagyaraj significantly shaped Tamil filmmaking over his five-decade career. His ability to craft gripping narratives with relatable situations and natural dialogue inspired generations of filmmakers and left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela rose Friday to 920, with tens of thousands reported missing as international rescue teams boosted a desperate and slow-moving search for survivors. - Help arrives - The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries were being mobilized to help find survivors.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed plans for President Donald Trump's visit to India early next year, highlighting strengthening India-US relations. This comes as both nations are nearing a bilateral trade agreement. Rubio also indicated his own travel to India before year-end to lay groundwork for the presidential trip, signaling significant diplomatic engagement.

China's industrial profits saw a double-digit rise in May, though at a slower pace, underscoring the economy's reliance on factories and exports amidst weak domestic demand. While tech sectors like AI equipment are booming, automakers face a profit slump. Analysts anticipate government intervention to support struggling businesses as consolidation intensifies.

China's top legislative body has removed six military lawmakers, including a key figure in the space program, and a former financial regulator from their posts. The dismissals, announced without stated reasons, are the latest in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption drive. High-ranking generals overseeing equipment development, air force, and regional commands were among those stripped of their positions, signaling a significant shake-up within the People's Liberation Army.

Goa has declared over a crore square metres of ecologically sensitive land in Salcete taluka as a No Development Zone. This move, encompassing salt pans and paddy fields across seven villages, aims to bolster environmental protection and safeguard the state's delicate ecosystems. The largest portion is in Talaulim, with other significant areas in Majorda and Seraulim.

Germany is struggling to recruit soldiers and will have to decide by July 2027 at the latest whether to reintroduce compulsory military service, a senior parliamentarian has told AFP. Faced with a growing threat from Russia and an unpredictable United States, Berlin is looking to revamp its army and has committed to increase its troop strength to at least 260,000 soldiers -- up from the current 185,000 -- by 2035. Germany has seen several large demonstrations against compulsory military service

Assam's public health system is now among the nation's best, with significant improvements in Maternal Mortality Ratio, now at 84, below the national average, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted. While neonatal mortality remains a concern, the state is focusing on enhancing healthcare professional skills for global opportunities, he said.

A Pune realtor's murder investigation reveals a complex web of a secret relationship clashing with a family-arranged marriage. Police allege accused Siya Goyal's family knew of her affair with Chetan Chaudhary but proceeded with her engagement to Ketan Agarwal due to financial disparities. Investigators believe this forced marriage and secret affair fueled the murder plot, with deleted chats and a planned push at Lohagad Fort central to the case.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh revealed that drug trafficking routes have shifted significantly post-2023 crisis, largely diverting through Mizoram. He noted a concerning rise in youth drug use, with peddlers offering credit, making drugs accessible in areas like Kwakta. Singh emphasized sports as a deterrent and called for collective efforts to build a drug-free society. Officials highlighted the devastating impact of addiction, particularly on young individuals.

Pakistan experienced a 5.4-magnitude earthquake on Saturday, originating at a depth of 35 km. This seismic event underscores the nation's vulnerability, situated at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The tremor follows a 5.3-magnitude earthquake that hit the country just a day prior, highlighting the persistent seismic risks in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Seychelles is set to significantly bolster bilateral cooperation, especially in defence and security, said Indian High Commissioner Rohit Rathish. The trip aims to elevate cooperation across various sectors and potentially inaugurate new development projects, reinforcing India's commitment to its Indian Ocean neighbours.

Reports suggest that Apple is actively reaching out to the Trump administration in an effort to source memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies, a Chinese firm currently banned by the Pentagon. This initiative aims to combat the financial burden caused by rising chip costs, a prevalent issue for various U.S. tech companies.

An Indian-origin man's detailed monthly budget for relocating to North Bengaluru after 15 years in the US has sparked a lively Reddit discussion. Earning Rs 85 lakh annually, he estimated a take-home of Rs 4.6 lakh, but questioned if his Rs 1.5 lakh essential expense forecast was realistic. Reddit users debated his rent, mortgage, school fees, and domestic help allocations, offering varied perspectives on Bengaluru's cost of living.

Renowned author Robin Sharma emphasizes that true greatness isn't born from sudden leaps but from consistent, small actions. His philosophy, highlighted by his quote, suggests that chipping away at the ordinary with smart, daily efforts gradually transforms lives. This approach, rooted in patience and discipline, makes excellence attainable for anyone.

Authorities have arrested six individuals, and the Crime Branch is investigating the incident. The Chief Minister vowed strict action against all involved, while CREDAI Bengal highlighted adherence to building codes, suggesting illegal construction might be a factor in such accidents.

Delhi University's CSAS portal for undergraduate admissions opens June 27 at 12 PM, exclusively using CUET UG 2026 scores. Over 71,000 seats are available across 79 programs in 70 colleges. The academic session begins July 21. Candidates must register with CUET details, fill preferences, and await allotment rounds. Spot admissions may follow for vacant seats. Ensure all documents are ready for this crucial application process.

Venezuela was hit by a new 4.9 magnitude earthquake offshore, compounding the crisis from devastating twin tremors days earlier. The death toll has risen to 920, with thousands still missing as rescuers race against time amid widespread destruction and damaged infrastructure.

The Congress party has appointed former AAP leader Rajendra Pal Gautam as its in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, signaling a strategic move to engage the state's Dalit voters. This appointment comes alongside other key organisational changes in the party.

Quote of the Day: J.K. Rowling's profound quote, It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities, underscores the paramount importance of character over talent. Psychologists and modern research highlight that our decisions, especially during adversity, reveal our true selves. This wisdom, originating from Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter, emphasizes free will, responsibility, and the enduring power of moral courage in shaping our legacy and defining our humanity.

Utah has declared a state of emergency and restricted fireworks ahead of July Fourth due to a massive wildfire. The Cottonwood Fire, fueled by dry, windy conditions, has expanded significantly, damaging a ski resort and prompting evacuations. A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning is in effect, highlighting extreme fire behavior and the risk of rapid growth across the arid West.

Helen Keller's profound life lesson, Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood, underscores that true wisdom stems from experience, not just knowledge. Overcoming blindness and deafness, Keller transformed immense challenges into a life of purpose, advocating for others. Her journey highlights how resilience, gratitude, and strength are forged through hardship, urging us to embrace life's unfolding journey and learn from every experience.

Scientists have pinpointed an ancient brain region acting as a focus switch, crucial for filtering distractions and prioritizing information. This discovery in mice, found in a shared vertebrate brainstem area, offers new insights into selective attention. Researchers believe this could pave the way for more targeted treatments for conditions like ADHD and autism, where attention difficulties are prominent.

Discover the power of 'quotidian' the word for everyday life. It highlights how ordinary routines, from morning coffee to evening walks, shape our existence more than grand events. Artists and writers often find profound inspiration in these seemingly mundane moments, proving that the familiar can be deeply meaningful. Embrace the beauty in your daily rhythms.

Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, reported strong performance in FY26 despite global geopolitical uncertainty, according to an executive cited in the report. On a standalone basis, the company posted about 42,000 crore in operating income and an estimated net profit of around 32,000 crore. It also more than doubled its dividend payout to Tata Trusts to over 3,000 crore.

A new demand letter claims to possess video footage of Nancy Guthrie and her alleged main kidnapper on the day she likely died. The sender, who has previously contacted media outlets, also offers photos and details of those involved for a Bitcoin payment. Authorities are investigating the disappearance of the 84-year-old, who has not been found since January.

A timeless Spanish proverb, 'There is no evil that lasts a hundred years,' offers profound hope during difficult times. It reminds us that suffering, no matter how intense, is temporary. This wisdom underscores human resilience, encouraging patience and the belief that circumstances inevitably change, leading to better days. Embrace this enduring message of perseverance and renewal.

FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule for 27 June, including match timings in India, venues, fixtures, standings and live streaming details: The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage intensifies on June 27 with six crucial matches determining knockout stage seeding. Powerhouses Argentina, England, and Portugal are in action, facing Jordan, Panama, and Colombia respectively. For Indian fans, these high-stakes games kick off in the early hours of June 28, promising thrilling football as teams vie for top g

A forgotten Mozart manuscript, containing seven short pieces for flute and harp, has been discovered in a 248-year-old notebook. Curators recognized Mozart's distinctive handwriting, leading musicologists to confirm the find. These collaborative works, created in 1778 with his student Marie-Louise-Philippine de Bonnires de Gunes, were performed publicly for the first time this month, offering a rare glimpse into the composer's teaching methods.

Legendary investor Charlie Munger emphasized that substantial wealth isn't found in frequent trading, but in patient waiting. His advice highlights the power of long-term investing, allowing quality assets to compound over time. This disciplined approach, rather than market timing, is crucial for significant financial growth. Munger's wisdom underscores that true riches emerge from staying invested and letting returns generate further returns.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said he held a detailed discussion with a Shashi Tharoor-led parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, focusing on key regional issues including water scarcity and environmental challenges.

A US judge on Friday asked the Justice Department to explain its decision to drop criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, stopping short of immediately dismissing the case. The court's move came after Adani's lawyers sought formal dismissal earlier this week, keeping judicial scrutiny over the government's reversal alive.

The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has rejected the apology issued by the Kuki-Zo Council over the killing of six Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village, saying it does not amount to a proper apology or acceptance of responsibility. ANSAM said justice cannot be replaced by public statements.

The Madras High Court has declared unconstitutional a Tamil Nadu government order that allowed converts to Islam to claim backward class status. Justices ruled that a convert is simply a Muslim, and the state cannot create a hierarchy within Islam to grant reservation benefits. The court emphasized that conversion to a specific sect for reservation is un-Islamic and undermines previous judgments.

Egypt and Iran clash in a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H encounter on June 27, 2026, at 5:30 AM IST. Egypt leads the group, needing just a draw to advance, while Iran seeks a vital win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Fans in India can catch the action live on official broadcasters. This highly anticipated match features star players like Mohamed Salah and Mehdi Taremi.

Psychology suggests that people who talk to others from inside the washroom are often influenced by a combination of social bonding, communication habits learned over time, family dynamics, personal comfort with privacy, and individual interaction styles. For many, the behavior is less about ignoring boundaries and more about maintaining connection without interrupting a conversation.

Congress has demanded a Supreme Court-led investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds for the Ayodhya Ram temple, citing the resignation of a key trust official and arrests as insufficient. The party believes senior figures must be involved and called for the temple trust's dissolution and Prime Minister Modi's intervention. Congress accused the BJP-RSS of exploiting Ayodhya for political gain and then looting devotees' donations.

Los Angeles school screen time limits: Los Angeles Unified School District is implementing significant screen time limits for over 500,000 students starting August 1. Youngest students, in kindergarten and first grade, will face a complete ban on classroom screens.

West Bengal's new government is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code, joining seven other BJP-ruled states in this initiative. This state-by-state approach aligns with the BJP's core ideology. Uttarakhand and Goa already have common civil codes, while states like Gujarat, Assam, and now West Bengal are actively forming committees and drafting legislation to introduce UCC, aiming for a unified legal framework for all citizens.

The Cabinet Secretariat is pushing for faster government processes and reduced red tape to expedite key central projects. New directives aim to streamline inter-ministerial consultations and ensure timely Cabinet approvals. A cascaded review mechanism before PRAGATI meetings and enhanced monitoring of the e-Samiksha portal are being implemented to boost efficiency and outcomes across ministries and states.