The Economic Times

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a dip of nearly $10 billion to $671.63 billion in the week ending June 12, 2026. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in gold reserves, despite a rise in foreign currency assets. The nation still holds a substantial forex buffer, crucial for economic stability and currency support amidst market fluctuations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared he will not resign, vowing to contest any leadership challenge from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham's decisive win in a parliamentary by-election has amplified calls for Starmer's departure, with some lawmakers fearing electoral defeat. Starmer, however, defended his two-year tenure and warned against a disruptive leadership battle, while Burnham positioned his victory as a turning point for Labour.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has urged the UIDAI to permanently preserve Aadhaar date-of-birth update histories, citing rampant age fraud. Following the disqualification of around 500 wrestlers for being overage at a recent tournament, the WFI highlighted instances where birth dates were allegedly altered by several years. The federation seeks stricter measures to prevent such modifications, emphasizing the critical need for transparency in sports.

Italy's Foreign Minister has cancelled a US visit following President Trump's reported mocking comments about Prime Minister Meloni. Meloni expressed shock, calling Trump's remarks made up and questioning his behavior towards allies. This incident strains their relationship, previously tested by Meloni's defense of the Pope and her stance on NATO. Trump had previously criticized Meloni for not aiding the US in the Iran war.

This initiative marks a significant stride towards India's circular bioeconomy, reducing reliance on food-based feedstocks and bolstering energy security through indigenous innovation.

Dear Crown Friday Weekly Lottery: The Sikkim State Dear Lottery announced the winning numbers for the Dear Crown Friday Weekly Lottery, with a first prize of 1 crore. The lottery, operated by the Directorate of Sikkim State Lotteries, offers daily and weekly draws with various prize tiers. Tickets are priced between 6 and 7 for regular draws.

The Supreme Court has called for a Young Lawyers' Professional Assistance Fund to combat the exodus of bright legal minds facing financial struggles. Recognizing the plight of new and first-generation lawyers, the court emphasized the need for support during their formative years. The bench also highlighted the critical infrastructure needs for women lawyers, urging immediate attention to their comfort and safety within court premises.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly refuted claims made by former US President Donald Trump. Trump alleged Meloni begged him for a photograph at a G7 summit. Meloni expressed astonishment, calling his statements entirely fabricated. She criticized Trump for treating Western allies with less deference than perceived enemies. This exchange marks a significant strain in their relationship.

Iran has announced a 60-day waiver on fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, following a memorandum of understanding with the United States. During this negotiation period, vessels must submit transit requests 48 hours in advance. This measure aims to ensure safe passage by coordinating routes and transit times, especially in areas potentially affected by mines. The waiver covers security, safety, environmental services, and related insurance.

Michael Jordan's Father's Day quote remains a timeless reminder that true greatness begins with support, patience and values. His emotional words about his fathers presence during failures, mistakes and struggles reveal deep wisdom about family bonds, resilience and the unseen strength behind every success story. This powerful quote of the day inspires millions to value those who stand beside them. It shows that behind every achievement, there is often someone who believed, guided and cared when

China has restored over 10 million hectares of desertified land and nearly 2 million hectares of rocky desertification during the 14th Five-Year Plan. The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, the world's largest afforestation initiative, remains central to these efforts, with significant government investment and policy enhancements driving ecological improvements across the country.

India is aiming to host Formula 1 by 2030. The country also plans to bring MotoGP and a World Rally Championship round by 2028. The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India is working with the Sports Ministry on this. The focus is on developing Indian drivers and motorsports infrastructure.

Reliance Industries is set to transform artificial intelligence access in India. The company plans to build a sovereign AI backbone and offer AI services across various sectors. This initiative aims to make AI affordable and widely available to all Indians. Reliance is focusing on infrastructure and distribution, much like its successful Jio telecom venture.

Elon Musk has identified family relocation as one of SpaceX's biggest hiring challenges in Texas, saying many engineers and technicians hesitate to move to Starbase because employment opportunities for their partners are limited. Speaking on a podcast, Musk described it as the company's significant other problem and explained how the remote South Texas location differs from SpaceX's former base in California.

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into Resorcinol imports from China and Japan. This action follows a complaint alleging that cheap imports are harming the domestic industry. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies will determine if dumping has occurred and caused injury. If confirmed, duties may be recommended to ensure fair trade practices for Indian producers.

Best Immanuel Kant Quote of the Day: Immanuel Kant argued that rewarding children for good behaviour can teach them to act for external rewards rather than from a genuine sense of morality. He believed this approach may encourage people to prioritise personal gain over ethical principles when rewards are absent. Instead, Kant's philosophy emphasises doing the right thing out of an inner sense of duty, regardless of rewards, punishments or consequences.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on July 15. This pact goes beyond trade and technology, promising to open doors for people in both nations. Annual bilateral trade is expected to significantly increase. Prime Minister Modi also discussed trade talks with the European Union, with an agreement anticipated by year-end.

Shivpal ji was betrayed. After Mulayam Singh ji, Shivpal Yadav should have been the CM, but instead, he was pushed out of the party. Shivpal ji once said the Samajwadi Party has become a party of thieves and mafias. He had warned that such a party cannot survive, Rajbhar, the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief, told ANI.

Mumbai's Shiv Sena marks 60 years with its factions facing significant challenges. Uddhav Thackeray's group confronts an existential crisis, while Eknath Shinde's faction battles for relevance against a dominant BJP. The party's historical alliance with BJP fractured, leading to the current division.

Why friendship ends: As people enter their forties, close friendships often quietly fade due to increased responsibilities and diverging life paths. The natural proximity that once fostered connections diminishes, requiring deliberate effort to maintain relationships. When one person consistently initiates contact, it can become emotionally exhausting, highlighting the need for reciprocal effort in friendships.

The world's top consumers, mainly in the US and EU, cause trillions in environmental damage annually. Biodiversity loss and climate change are the biggest culprits. This study highlights the significant impact of a small percentage of the global population. Mitigation efforts focused on these high consumers can drive sustainability and improve equity.

An American visitor in India shared her experience buying contact lenses. She purchased three pairs for just $26. This required no insurance, appointment, or extensive paperwork. Her ease of purchase highlights India's affordable and accessible healthcare. The country's reputation for cost-effective medical services is growing globally. India is recognized for accessible healthcare delivery.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Suvarna Keralam SK-57 results for Friday, 19 June 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the Rs 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of other winning numbers here.

A father's gamble on a 65,000 cricket bat during tough times has paid off. His son, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan, now leads the India Under-19 team. The bat became a symbol of his journey and his father's faith. Yashbardhan's performances have brought recognition and leadership.

A senior leader faces a difficult workplace situation. A colleague consistently fails to meet job expectations. This forces the leader to take on extra duties. Despite repeated attempts to address the issue with management, little has changed. The situation has escalated to the CEO, highlighting a prolonged conflict and its impact on the leader's well-being.

Scottish saying of the day: This Scottish saying, Dinna cast out the falcon for the moorhen, advises against discarding valuable assets for less significant ones. It emphasizes the importance of careful judgment in modern life, urging individuals to prioritize long-term benefits over fleeting appeal in decisions concerning careers, relationships, and habits.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is confident an SIT probe will reveal the truth about alleged Ram temple fund embezzlement. He urged devotees to avoid baseless comments and present any evidence to the SIT. Adityanath stated that those found guilty will face consequences. He also inaugurated development projects in Ayodhya. The probe follows allegations by the Samajwadi Party president.

Delhi Police have busted an inter-state child trafficking network, rescuing five infants and arresting thirteen individuals, including a doctor. The operation, triggered by a citizen's tip, uncovered a syndicate allegedly selling infants for substantial profits. Investigations are ongoing to identify more victims and suspects across multiple states.

Jubilant Pharmova announced its US subsidiary, Jubilant HollisterStier LLC, underwent a USFDA inspection. The facility in Spokane, Washington, received eight observations. These observations do not involve sterility assurance concerns. The company will submit its response to the US health regulator within 15 business days. Jubilant Pharmova is committed to addressing all points raised.

The Delhi High Court will hear an appeal from Sir Sobha Singh & Sons Private Limited. The case involves a long-running property dispute with the Union of India concerning the Ambassador Hotel block. The company seeks to overturn a recent appellate court order. The court has called for records and listed the matter for July 23, 2026.

A traditional Burmese saying reveals that silence cannot hide actions. The proverb 'The tongue may be silent, but the teeth know what theyve eaten' highlights that truth eventually surfaces. This lesson applies to work, relationships, and personal character. Honesty builds trust and integrity. Taking responsibility for actions is crucial for growth and peace of mind.

Meghalaya's organic produce can drive India's growth. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a large organic spice plant. She highlighted Meghalaya's trust in global markets. The state's focus on quality over volume is key. This development aligns with India's ambition for a developed nation by 2047. The Northeast is central to this national growth story.

Shiv Sena marked its 60th foundation day with a symbolic photograph of Bal Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. This event highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions. Speculation is rife about UBT Sena MPs potentially joining Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's group. The Election Commission had previously recognized Shinde's faction as the official Shiv Sena.

RIL AGM 2026 Key Highlights: Mukesh Ambani addresses shareholders at Reliance Industries' annual general meeting on Friday. Big announcements are expected regarding Jio IPO, artificial intelligence, new energy, and retail growth. The company reported strong financial results for FY26, with growth in retail, digital services, and oil-to-chemicals businesses. Oil and gas unit saw a decline. Stakeholders await concrete timelines on future initiatives.

The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a petition questioning a West Bengal government order regarding International Yoga Day participation. The court noted the state clarified the order is a general appeal to all public servants, not mandatory. This clarification led to the disposal of the petition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the main event in Kolkata.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy revealed knowledge of cross-voting in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections. He stated the results were not unexpected and the party's focus is now on the 2028 Assembly elections. Kumaraswamy mentioned that the candidate was fielded to test MLAs. He also addressed the Bidadi township project controversy, stating he dropped the project respecting public sentiment.

The Badminton Association of India has approached the Delhi High Court to remove false information circulating about Indian judges and Union ministers participating in a government-sponsored badminton tournament in London. The association's counsel highlighted the negative impact of these viral claims on the sport's reputation. The government's fact-checking wing has already refuted these allegations.

The Indian government is considering introducing durability certificates for buildings to address growing concerns over unsafe construction practices and structural integrity. This initiative follows recent incidents of building collapses and court-ordered demolitions, aiming to enhance construction quality, long-term safety, and public accountability across the real estate sector.

President Donald Trump has taken his last flight aboard the iconic Boeing 747-200B Air Force One. This aircraft served US presidents for 35 years. A new, specially modified Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar will now take over presidential duties. This new jet features a red, white, and blue design. It will serve until two other new 747s are ready.

Mahabaleshwar strawberries have become a symbol of Maharashtra's agricultural innovation, growing from a seasonal fruit into a thriving industry. Supported by the region's unique climate, skilled farmers and a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the area now produces thousands of tonnes of strawberries each year, providing livelihoods for thousands of families and inspiring cultivation in emerging hubs such as Nashik.

In 1950, a striped potato beetle became the centre of one of the Cold War's most unusual propaganda campaigns after East Germany accused the United States of dropping the insects from aircraft to destroy socialist food supplies. While farmers battled real crop damage, governments turned the infestation into a political story.

As India's services sector drives global growth, the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 celebrate businesses exporting innovation, expertise, and digital capabilities worldwide. From IT and AI to SaaS, Managed Services, and EdTech, the awards recognise organisations shaping India's position as a leading global services powerhouse.

French Saying of Day: This French proverb emphasizes that true love thrives on shared vision and purpose, not just mutual admiration. Strong relationships are built when partners support each other's dreams and goals, moving forward together. This unity fosters trust, understanding, and a lasting, meaningful bond for a shared future.

Heavy clashes in southern Lebanon have claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers and at least sixteen Lebanese civilians. This escalation has disrupted crucial peace talks between Iran and the United States. The ongoing conflict threatens a recently signed agreement to cease hostilities. Israel insists on maintaining its presence to counter Hezbollah threats.