The Economic Times

The NDRF rescued 67 people, including 25 women and 22 children, from flood-hit Sarikhurad village in Gujarat's Navsari district, with rescue operations still underway. The Gujarat government has intensified relief efforts, deploying Army, NDRF, SDRF and fire personnel across the worst-affected districts. Thousands of residents have been evacuated to safe shelters as heavy rainfall caused overflowing dams, road closures and widespread flooding. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior officials

MK Stalin continues his demand for abolishing the NEET medical entrance examination. Protests are ongoing in Delhi concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The Cockroach Janta Party will continue its protest until the Education Minister resigns. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances. The opposition seeks a detailed parliamentary discussion on the NEET paper leak.

US President Donald Trump's newTrump tariffsof 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, have sparked criticism from Japan, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. TheTrump tariffs, linked toforced labourenforcement under Section 301, replace temporary global duties after a US Supreme Court setback.

India concluded its eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO. Members broadly appreciated India's constructive engagement and economic resilience. India reiterated its commitment to transparent and WTO-consistent trade policies. It also emphasised development-oriented WTO reforms for developing countries.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Schedule India Today: India aims to expand its medal count on day two of the games. Swimmers and boxers will begin their competitive campaigns today. Para powerlifters are also poised to compete for medals in their events. Lawn bowls and gymnastics also feature Indian athletes in action. Viewers can catch the action live on Sony LIV and television.

Parliament will consider and pass the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill. Opposition MPs will move a statutory resolution seeking disapproval of an ordinance. Private members' business includes proposals on constitutional amendments and welfare issues. The Rajya Sabha will introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill.

Activist Amit Bhatnagar has ended his 18-day hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the rehabilitation and compensation of families displaced by the Ken-Betwa river-linking project and other irrigation schemes in Madhya Pradesh. His fast ended after his mother persuaded him following his discharge from hospital, while the administration said it would examine complaints and the activist welcomed the decision to conduct a fresh survey and joint inquiry into the allegations.

Flash floods in Rajouri have severely damaged local power infrastructure, washing away and damaging many transformers. Power Development Department authorities are working around the clock to restore electricity to affected areas. Additional manpower and local residents are assisting in the challenging restoration drive.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over the nationwide student protests, accusing it of responding to demands for accountability and education reforms with cowardice and wanton cruelty. In an article published in The Hindu, she alleged the Centre had degraded India's education system through underinvestment, privatisation and a dysfunctional examination regime, while using police force to suppress dissent. Gandhi also

Devshayani Ekadashi in 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25, dedicated to Lord Vishnu worship. Devotees will observe a strict fast and perform prayers for peace and prosperity. The Ekadashi tithi begins on July 24 and concludes on July 25. The fast breaking ritual, known as Parana, will occur on Sunday, July 26. This sacred day involves specific puja rituals and adherence to a Sattvik lifestyle.

Secretary Rubio expressed the Trump administration's commitment to ending the Ukraine war. He acknowledged that diplomacy requires sustained effort and new ideas for resolution. Discussions also focused on escalating fighting in the Middle East and South China Sea. China defended its maritime military actions while the Philippines reported harassment.

Weather Today July 24: India Meteorological Department forecasts widespread monsoon activity for July twenty-fourth. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in western, northern, and northeastern regions. Several states including Maharashtra and Gujarat will likely experience intense showers and thunderstorms. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai anticipate cloudy skies with intermittent rain. High humidity and moderate temperatures will prevail across the country.

Iran has executed dozens of political prisoners since the war began. Activists fear intensified executions to instill societal fear and silence dissent. Hundreds of political prisoners and protesters currently face capital charges. Many inmates protest executions for drug-related charges and murder. The nation remains a prolific executioner, second only to China.

The Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party will hold talks on Friday. This meeting follows massive protests and a police crackdown in Delhi. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after discussions. Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding reforms. The youth-led movement has become a significant anti-government demonstration.

HSBC will sell its Singapore life and health insurance business to Allianz. This deal is valued at S$2.7 billion and is expected to close in early 2027. The sale will help HSBC simplify its operations and focus on core markets. Allianz gains a significant expansion opportunity in Singapore's regulated market. HSBC will continue distributing insurance products through a 15-year bancassurance agreement.

Salman Rushdie described his near-fatal stabbing during a terrorism trial. He recounted the ambush which occurred on an amphitheater stage four years ago. The author detailed his injuries and lengthy recovery process. His attacker, Hadi Matar, faces federal charges for the assault. Matar has pleaded not guilty to the terrorism-related accusations.

President Trump vowed major military punishment for Iran and its Houthi allies. Houthi fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Global oil prices surged significantly after the attacks on shipping routes. Iran also reported missile strikes on U.S. military sites in Jordan and Kuwait. These escalating events raise fears of wider economic disruption and conflict.

Quote of the day by Demi Lovato offers a timeless lesson about perseverance, discipline, and hope. Demi Lovato reminds us that meaningful growth is built through consistent effort rather than occasional motivation. The profound quote serves as an inspiring reminder that every positive habit, every responsible decision, and every small step forward contributes to lasting progress. Whether pursuing better health, stronger relationships, career success, emotional resilience, or personal fulfillment

Quote of the Day by Matt Damon offers timeless guidance for navigating modern life. Matt Damon reminds us that authenticity is not only liberatingit is also practical. Genuine confidence, meaningful relationships, creative success, and emotional resilience all grow more naturally when people stop pretending and start embracing who they truly are. Matt Damon's quote serves as a refreshing reminder that lasting success begins with self-acceptance. While trends, expectations, and public opinions co

The restrictions on foreign investment in inventory-based ecommerce will not apply in case of exports of domestically manufactured and/or produced goods/products, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a Press Note. The government has been considering this since last year in a broader effort to boost Indias exports without impacting the businesses of small retailers, people aware of the matter said.

Quote of the day by Aristotle continues to inspire people by showing that learning is one of the greatest sources of happiness. The famous philosopher believed knowledge gives lasting satisfaction that material rewards cannot provide. His words encourage curiosity, continuous growth and practical wisdom. The quote remains relevant for students, professionals and lifelong learners who want to improve their understanding of the world and build a meaningful life.

Psychology says people who are ready to rebuild their lives at any moment aren't driven only by sudden decisions. This mindset often reflects adaptability, emotional recovery, and the ability to accept change. Psychological theories and research suggest that some people recover from setbacks by adjusting their goals instead of holding on to situations that no longer work. Understanding this behavior can help people respond better to change and future uncertainty.

The government initiated a three-pronged strategy to address examination paper leak concerns. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast after successful negotiations with ministers. Prime Minister Modi announced new legislation to strengthen actions against examination paper leaks. The Higher Education Secretary was replaced as part of administrative changes. These developments aim to restore public confidence in the examination system.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his hunger strike on Friday. He met Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh for discussions. Wangchuk sought greater safeguards and constitutional protections for Ladakh. His protest garnered support from various civil society groups and leaders. The indefinite hunger strike aimed for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

India's import bill for key pulses significantly decreased in FY26 due to robust domestic production. Lower global prices and import curbs also contributed to this substantial reduction. Exports of certain pulses, like Kabuli chana, saw a notable increase during the same period. This shift reflects India's growing self-sufficiency and improved market position for these commodities. Domestic policies and strong harvests have bolstered India's pulse sector performance.

MSME stress deepened in FY26 with closures rising sharply to 62,747 from 39,446 in FY25, impacting over 3.7 lakh jobs. As of June 2026, 18,154 units had shut, affecting 1.25 lakh workers. Despite closures, overall MSME employment grew 16.5% year-on-year to 80.5 million, led by the trading sector, with Uttar Pradesh employing the largest workforce. Delays in highway projects triggered penalties of 2,732 crore over three years, with only 780 crore recovered so far.

The Skill Development Ministry is linking payments to training providers to candidate placement. A 530-crore Skills Outcome Fund will incentivize providers and increase accountability. This initiative aims to help 200,000 youths secure quality employment and improved incomes. The program prioritizes candidates from low-income households and aims for 50% female participation. Focus will be on high-demand sectors and future-oriented job roles for sustainable livelihoods.

The National Investigation Agency has arrested a key absconder in the Sreenivasan murder case. Muhammadali KP, a Popular Front of India district president, was apprehended upon arriving from Saudi Arabia. This arrest brings the total number of accused in the case to sixty-seven individuals. The agency found the accused conspired to create communal division through violent extremism. Sreenivasan was killed by PFI cadres in pursuit of their agenda.

Quote of the Day by Henry Cavill: Henry Cavills quote, You can train and train until you are blue in the face, but you've got to diet, you've got to have that leanness because if you are not lean, your abs won't show. Of course, the training has to be put in, but then you've to shed all the fat and keep the fat off. And that's how you get an eight pack, explores the importance of discipline, consistency, and maintaining balance in achieving fitness goals.

Portuguese proverb of the day: A Portuguese saying highlights how stories evolve with each telling. Details can be added or altered as tales pass between people. This natural human tendency means information may change over time. We should consider the source and number of retellings for accuracy. Understanding this helps us critically evaluate information we receive.

The CBI has cleared Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, of involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. Initially, Bihar Police suspected his involvement due to past examination paper theft cases. The federal agency investigated all individuals connected to the theft and distribution. They also identified every candidate who benefited from the leaked question paper. Multiple chargesheets have been filed against forty-five accused individuals in this case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced stricter measures against examination paper leaks. The government will establish fast-track courts for swift trials and punishments. These actions aim to protect the future and aspirations of students nationwide. The Prime Minister emphasized that no leniency will be shown to offenders. Such incidents severely damage the credibility of examination systems.

Delhi Police identified over 480 Pakistan-based social media handles spreading misinformation. These accounts actively circulated rumors and fake videos during the CJP protest. The same handles were also active during the Operation Sindoor incident. Police urged students to verify information and avoid anonymous sources. Authorities respect the right to peaceful protest and seek public cooperation.

Today's quote of the day by Rudyard Kipling speaks to anyone who feels distracted by other people's success or failures. His words remind us that our future is shaped more by our own actions than by comparison. Written more than a century ago, this simple idea still offers practical guidance on self-discipline, resilience, personal growth, confidence, and staying focused on what truly matters.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Life without endeavor is like entering a jewel mine and coming out with empty hands. The saying reflects how success is shaped by effort, dedication, and the willingness to take action rather than simply by opportunities or potential. It suggests that valuable results cannot be achieved without hard work, perseverance, and commitment. Just as entering a jewel mine does not guarantee finding treasures without searching, lifes opportunities req

India strongly criticized Pakistan's unwarranted comments on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting. New Delhi stated that Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan's terrorism sponsorship. Pakistan should dismantle terror infrastructure instead of misusing global platforms.

A Cockroach Janta Party delegation will meet Union ministers on Friday. This meeting follows recent clashes between CJP supporters and Delhi Police. The CJP has called for a nationwide protest against alleged police brutality. They are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party previously met Union Health Minister JP Nadda regarding NEET-UG examination issues.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged supporters of the ongoing students' movement to remain peaceful. He expressed pain over reports of anti-social elements attempting to provoke violence elsewhere. Wangchuk stated that peace is his only way, and responses must be like flowers. His appeal followed a recent march where protesters faced police action and alleged harsh measures. The movement began on June 20, demanding accountability and reforms in competitive examinations.

Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred amid ongoing exam irregularities scrutiny. Naresh Pal Gangwar now leads the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Several other secretary-level appointments were also announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This reshuffle occurs while the Education Ministry faces public and political pressure. The government also approved in-situ upgradations for several officials.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed a complaint against Zomatos parent company Eternal, ruling that there was no prima facie evidence of abuse of market dominance. The complaint alleged unfair pricing, excessive commissions and anti-competitive practices, citing a large price difference between ordering via the app and buying directly from a restaurant.