The Economic Times

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's frequent visits to Ayodhya, suggesting they might have been to oversee alleged temple donation thefts. He also criticized the pace of development in Ayodhya and highlighted recurring exam paper leaks, blaming the BJP government for administrative failures and their impact on students seeking employment.

Exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return this year, asserting her fight is for the people's political rights and democracy's restoration. Facing a death sentence she deems politically motivated, Hasina criticized the current leadership for weakening democracy and failing to protect minority communities. She remains defiant, emphasizing her party's deep roots and commitment to justice.

India and Seychelles have inked 19 key agreements, bolstering bilateral ties across defense, maritime security, digital payments, space, and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie finalized pacts including an extradition treaty, UPI integration, and preliminary work on a new hospital. The collaboration signifies a deepening partnership between the two nations, enhancing security and development initiatives.

Best German proverb of the day: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company reminds us that peace of mind is more valuable than unhealthy relationships. Originally expressed in German as Besser allein als in schlechter Gesellschaft, the proverb teaches that surrounding yourself with positive, trustworthy people is far better than remaining in company that harms your wellbeing or values.

In a bid to navigate the tumultuous regional landscape, Pakistan and Bahrain convened talks focused on heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Bahrain's Foreign Minister commended Pakistan's proactive role in facilitating a recent peace understanding in West Asia. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister expressed the country's unwavering commitment to pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions, especially given Bahrain's vulnerability to Iranian attacks.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has vowed to ban pan masala and gutka if found laced with intoxicating substances, warning manufacturers of strict action. Addressing a conclave, he urged students and healthcare professionals to champion a drug-free state, emphasizing the growing threat of addiction among youth. The government is intensifying anti-drug measures, especially in educational institutions, to secure the nation's future.

The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing the end of its term with crucial decisions pending. Key cases involve President Trump's authority to fire federal officials and limit birthright citizenship, alongside rulings on election-related matters like mail-in ballots and campaign finance. The court will also decide on the legality of bans targeting transgender athletes and the use of geofence warrants by law enforcement.

The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, on Sunday conferred the honorary title of Guardian of the Blue Horizon on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a tribute to his leadership in sustainability, the Blue Economy and ocean governance.

In a significant political development, over 150 MDMK functionaries, including state leaders and district secretaries, defected to the DMK, a day after the MDMK severed ties with the alliance. This move, spearheaded by prominent leaders from key districts and a contingent of students, signals a major consolidation for the DMK. The MDMK had cited alleged ehind-the-scenes political deals after the 2026 Assembly election results as the reason for their withdrawal.

Netflix is now requiring individual email addresses for each profile on shared accounts, a change rolling out from June 15, 2026. This move grants users more control over their settings and independent sign-ins, aiming for enhanced personalization. While some welcome the convenience, privacy concerns have surfaced regarding data sharing. This update follows Netflix's broader efforts to manage account sharing.

Europe is bracing for a scorching Sunday as an estimated 191 million people are expected to face temperatures of 35C or higher, particularly in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Millions more will experience heat above 30C. This widespread heatwave is impacting large swathes of Central and Eastern Europe, with significant populations in Germany and across several other nations set to endure extreme conditions.

Chennai: The DMK student wing is set to launch a statewide protest on June 29, demanding the dismissal of Tamil Nadu Minister D. Sarathkumar. This follows a viral video showing the minister with a white powder during an IPL match, which he claims was medicine for his child. The DMK alleges the minister is using his child to evade responsibility for actions contrary to combating drug abuse.

A marketing analyst's probation period is marred by a colleague who overstepped boundaries, assigning work and criticizing performance daily. Despite initial fear, the employee reported the issue to their manager, who set limits. However, doubts linger about the manager's follow-through, leaving the employee anxious about returning to work and seeking advice from the Reddit community.

Pre-monsoon flushing operations at the 126 MW Larji Hydel power station commenced Sunday, aiming to clear accumulated silt. Officials anticipate the process will conclude Monday, temporarily halting electricity generation. Around 2000 cusecs of water will be released into the Beas River, with downstream residents alerted. The dam's gates will be opened in a controlled manner to facilitate the cleaning, after which power generation will resume.

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to propose new reforms and effectively implement existing schemes to boost villages, crucial for India's developed nation vision by 2047. He highlighted the upcoming Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VBG RAM G) replacing MGNREGS, with significant budgetary allocations.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned on Sunday that any disruption to Tehran's control over the vital Strait of Hormuz would escalate tensions, even amidst ongoing peace talks. Speaking in Baghdad, he urged all parties to respect the existing memorandum of understanding, warning that deviations would complicate efforts to reopen the waterway and increase regional friction, following recent exchanges.

Ancient heritage sites across southern Lebanon have suffered significant damage during Israel's nearly four-month campaign against Hezbollah. From Roman ruins in Tyre to Mamluk-era markets and centuries-old villages, revered historical landmarks are being impacted. Lebanese authorities express deep concern over the systematic destruction, fearing the permanent erasure of Lebanese history, while Israel states strikes are based on military necessity.

India's debt market is currently ill-equipped to fund the nation's ambitious economic growth targets, a Deloitte report highlights. To achieve a USD 7.3 trillion economy by 2030, structural reforms are urgently needed to boost liquidity, improve price discovery, and encourage broader investor participation. The report emphasizes the necessity of market-driven interest rates and making domestic currency markets more appealing to global investors to bridge the growing capital demand gap.

Ladakh authorities have levied a Rs 2 lakh fine on four tourists for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas, including Pangong Lake. This marks the first stringent action against such violations, aimed at preserving the region's fragile ecosystem. The offenders, from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, were caught driving through sensitive zones, leading to vehicle impoundment until penalties were paid. The administration vows continued strict enforcement.

A Noida factory worker who walked off the job in 2012 without any written notice or explanation managed to win reinstatement orders from both the Labour Court and the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court has now set the record straight, ruling that unsubstantiated oral claims cannot override an employer's documented version of events.

Akshay Kumar's 'Welcome to the Jungle' has roared at the box office, raking in 39 crore net in India within two days. The comedy entertainer, third in the franchise, saw a significant 31.1% jump on Saturday, indicating strong audience appreciation. Globally, it has grossed 57.50 crore. Despite mixed reviews, the film's star power and humor are driving its success, with trade analysts predicting a strong opening weekend.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie as part of his three-day state visit to the East African island nation, aimed at further strengthening the longstanding bilateral partnership between the two countries.

Legendary actress Meryl Streep offers a powerful perspective on happiness and success, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. She suggests that true fulfillment comes from embracing your genuine self, not conforming to external expectations. By living vividly and expressing your unique talents and values, you can achieve a more meaningful and satisfying life, moving beyond societal pressures and superficial achievements.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the 'Made in India' label as a symbol of national pride and quality, citing Florence Shoe Company's global success. Founder Aqeel Ahmed Panaruna's manufacturing of luxury shoes for international brands, like Hugo Boss, demonstrates Indian craftsmanship. Goyal emphasized that such entrepreneurs uphold a national responsibility for excellence, driving employment and sustainable practices, reinforcing India's reputation on the world stage.

Today wordle hints: The answer to Wordle #1,835 has been revealed as 'EMCEE', a shortened term for a master of ceremonies. This five-letter word features a repeated letter and starts with 'E'. Wordle, a popular daily word game, challenges players to guess a word in six tries, with color-coded feedback guiding their progress. The game is accessible on The New York Times platforms.

A severe heatwave across western Europe has led to an estimated 1,000 excess deaths in France since June 24, according to health officials. The elderly, particularly those living alone in urban areas like Paris, have been most affected. While temperatures have begun to cool, these preliminary figures highlight the critical need for community support during extreme weather events.

A former editor's passport renewal stalled after his name was removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls, sparking outrage from opposition parties. Congress, TMC, and CPI(M) leaders decried the incident as a sign of eroding citizen rights, linking it to the controversial Special Intensive Revision exercise. They argue this disenfranchises vulnerable populations and serves a divisive agenda, urging a closer look at the process's impact.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has ignited a debate on social media, asserting that Gen Z possesses a 'faster rejection span' rather than a shorter attention span. He argues that younger audiences will invest time in valuable content but swiftly dismiss anything that doesn't immediately engage them. This heightened intolerance for time-wasting content, Warikoo suggests, stems from years of exposure to low-quality material, forcing creators to prioritize immediate value.

As Europe swelters under a severe heatwave, a viral video of a woman expertly installing an air conditioner while dangling outside a Chinese high-rise has captivated social media. The clip highlights China's widespread AC use, contrasting with Europe's recent surge in demand due to extreme temperatures impacting infrastructure and daily life, with Parisians even seeking refuge in air-conditioned stores.

Africa has rewritten FIFA World Cup history after an unprecedented nine of its 10 teams from the continent secured places in the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament, smashing the previous record of just two African teams reaching the knockout stage in a single edition.

Tata Motors has unveiled the upcoming Sierra EV conquering Abu Dhabi's challenging Tal Moreeb sand dune, showcasing its robust off-road capabilities. The electric SUV features Terrain Modes, a Boost Mode for extra power, and a dual-motor AWD system delivering 500 Nm torque. Early indications suggest a range exceeding 500 km.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced exemptions from a recent diesel supply restriction in containers. The move aims to alleviate distress for farmers, hospitals, and emergency services. Vital sectors like healthcare, agriculture, food supply, public services, and tea gardens are now exempt from fuel regulations. Daily purchase limits have also been relaxed, requiring only basic identification for hassle-free refueling.

Cabinet reshuffle: A reshuffle of the Modi government's Council of Ministers is expected soon, possibly before the Monsoon session of Parliament. The exercise is likely to coincide with the announcement of the BJP's new national team. Sources suggest that younger leaders may be given prominent roles, while some ministers could be assigned organisational responsibilities within the party. Changes in ministerial portfolios and the future of certain ministers are also under discussion, with a focus

Mann ki Baat: PM Modi highlighted India's significant strides in security and self-reliance during his 'Mann ki Baat' address. He lauded the successful maiden flight of the indigenous C-295 military transport aircraft and the DRDO's successful test of the Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile. The induction of new naval ships, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, further underscored the nation's growing indigenous capabilities.

India's Goods and Services Tax, now in its tenth year, is evolving towards greater efficiency. The government is leveraging AI, data sharing, and simplified processes to cut compliance costs, expedite refunds, and enhance enforcement, especially for MSMEs. This reform has broadened the tax base, boosted compliance, and significantly increased revenues, transforming India's indirect tax landscape into a unified national market.

A powerful magnitude 6 earthquake jolted Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, with tremors felt across Pakistan. While initial reports from Afghanistan indicated no casualties, Pakistan confirmed over 20 injuries and dozens of damaged homes in Musakhail district. Residents in Swat district described widespread panic as people fled buildings. Pakistan's Prime Minister has ordered an urgent response to aid those affected.

Startup founder's X post highlighted an international client's commitment to a paused six-month contract, contrasting it with India's often negotiable business practices. While four months were completed, the client honoured the remaining two, avoiding losses for the founder's firm. The post sparked debate on contract culture, with users citing judicial system differences and India's relationship-driven approach to business.

A new era of nuclear power is dawning in the US, with startups Antares, Aalo Atomics, and Valar Atomics achieving critical milestones in developing small modular reactors. These advanced, compact designs promise faster, cheaper, and more versatile nuclear energy, potentially powering everything from military bases to data centers.

House of the Dragon's thrilling Season 3 premiere has fans buzzing, with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. Speculation is rife about a new dragon appearing in Episode 2, potentially the legendary, man-eating wild dragon, Cannibal. The show, set 200 years before Game of Thrones, continues its gripping Targaryen saga. Episode 2 airs June 28/29.

BJP President Nitin Nabin embarks on a three-day Telangana visit starting Sunday, aiming to strengthen the party and lay the groundwork for a Double Engine Sarkar. His itinerary includes interactions with students, Adivasis, and party workers, emphasizing booth-level activists. Nabin will inaugurate district offices and address key meetings.

Two mothers, Amy Neville and Kristin Bride, are spearheading a movement for stronger online child safety after losing their sons to social media-related harms. Landmark jury verdicts are holding tech giants accountable, while Congress considers new regulations. Advocates emphasize a multi-pronged approach of legislation, litigation, and education to protect young users from dangers like cyberbullying and drug poisoning, aiming to shift the focus from profit to safety.

South Korea and Japan are strengthening security ties, reaffirming their commitment to denuclearizing the Korean peninsula. Defence ministers agreed to revive joint search-and-rescue drills and enhance cooperation with the US against North Korea's nuclear ambitions and its growing military links with Russia. This marks a significant step in bilateral relations, despite historical tensions and ongoing territorial disputes.

A significant fire erupted at Himalayan Cold Storage in Lucknow's Chinhat area on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from fire tenders. The blaze, whose origin is currently unknown, was first spotted by a security guard who alerted the owner. The owner then contacted authorities, leading to the swift arrival of police and the fire brigade. The cold storage facility reportedly houses various goods, including potatoes, green chillies, and dal.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revived a decade-old tradition by diving into a public pool in a full suit and tie to kick off the 2026 outdoor swimming season. The ceremonial plunge at Thomas Jefferson Pool also marked 90 years of public swimming in the city, a legacy dating back to Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia's 1936 expansion.

Telangana government and State Bank of India have resolved a land dispute amicably. Following recent discussions, SBI has agreed to alternative land proposals made by the state, after a five-acre parcel in Raidurg became a point of contention. The bank will proceed after board approval, aiming for a swift conclusion to the matter, which had previously led to court action and threats from the state.

Rising plastic costs: Asian food vendors are struggling with soaring plastic costs, a direct consequence of the Middle East energy crisis. Despite a US-Iran deal, supply chain disruptions persist, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Vendors in Taipei and Bangkok report significant price hikes for essential items like bags and containers, forcing them to absorb the costs as customers resist price increases.