The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Lionel Messi's Argentina are striving to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain are trying to win a second title after their maiden victory in 2010.
Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Even when falling, do not get up empty-handed. The saying reflects how challenges, failures, and setbacks can become valuable experiences that contribute to personal growth and resilience. It suggests that falling is not the end of a journey but an opportunity to gain wisdom, knowledge, and strength. The proverb emphasizes that difficult moments often leave behind important lessons, depending on how people respond to them.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will face Spain in a World Cup final. Spain enters the match with an impressive 37-game unbeaten streak. Argentina seeks to become the first back-to-back men's World Cup champion. This game marks a potential end to Messi's national team career. The final promises a compelling clash between star power and team dominance.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal's paths first crossed during a charity event years ago. Now, these football stars face each other in a significant World Cup final match. Messi, a decorated legend, showcases his enduring skill and vision on the field. Yamal, a young prodigy, mirrors Messi's early brilliance and potential. This encounter represents a remarkable convergence of footballing legacies and future promise.
India and Russia are exploring deeper cooperation in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, focusing on workforce development, technology transfer, local manufacturing and university-industry partnerships. Agriculture, infrastructure monitoring and public services were identified as priority areas during a brainstorming session involving industry experts, organised by Synergy Corporation with Geoscan Group and Aviakul Private Limited.
Amazon's large data centre project in Thane faces significant local and political opposition. Residents protested, citing concerns about noise, environmental hazards, and resource shortages. Local leaders voiced worries about water scarcity and the project's impact on existing infrastructure. Political parties, including Shiv Sena, have also raised objections and sought project reviews. Maharashtra aims to develop the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a major data centre investment hub.
Two US troops were killed and one remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on a base in Jordan, the US military said. The deaths are the first from direct Iranian fire since the wars opening days. Four other service members were hospitalised and later discharged.
Iran's supreme leader issued stern warnings after the United States conducted further strikes. Tehran announced it is suspending commitments to a recently signed interim deal. Kuwait reported significant damage to its water and oil facilities from Iranian attacks. US airstrikes targeted infrastructure in Iran's southern Hormozgan province. Both nations continue to vie for control of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway.
Josh Kerr achieved a historic athletic feat on Saturday. He broke the men's world mile record at the London Diamond League. Kerr's stunning performance clocked 3 minutes 42.68 seconds. This surpassed a record held for nearly three decades. He received fifty thousand dollars for his record-breaking run.
Jana Sena has ruled out replicating the NDA's 2024 seat-sharing formula for Andhra Pradesh's upcoming local body elections, saying its expanded grassroots presence warrants a larger share of seats. The party has urged alliance partners to allocate constituencies based on organisational strength while reaffirming its commitment to the BJP-led NDA.
The South 24 Parganas administration on Saturday demolished a Trinamool Congress office in Amtala linked to MP Abhishek Banerjee, citing unauthorised construction without an approved building plan. The action followed statutory notices and hearings, while Banerjee questioned the legal basis of the proceedings, alleging officials failed to produce the original complaint.
Ahead of Parliament's Monsoon session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and ordered separate seating for 20 rebel TMC MPs, while keeping their demand for recognition as the NCPI parliamentary party pending.
Japanese Mindset of the Day highlights the meaning of Wabi-sabi. The concept reflects the idea that beauty can be found in imperfection, simplicity, and the natural process of change. It suggests that life does not need to be flawless to be meaningful and that imperfections often carry their own value, history, and character. Wabi-sabi encourages people to appreciate the present moment, accept things as they are, and find peace in the temporary and incomplete nature of life. Rather than focusing
The spotlight will be firmly on Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who is expected to play the final World Cup match of his career. The 39-year-old will become only the second player after Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals and heads into the decider after scoring eight goals, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot.
France and England will compete for third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both European giants aim to finish their campaigns on a high note. Didier Deschamps will manage France for the final time after a successful tenure. Key players like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane will be crucial. France holds a slight edge according to the supercomputer prediction.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's doctor expressed suspicion regarding hospital medical reports. He stated Wangchuk's potassium levels were normal when he took a blood sample. The hospital is reportedly withholding Wangchuk's medical reports from his wife. Wangchuk's wife has requested his discharge and transfer to another facility. She affirmed the planned protest march to Parliament will proceed as scheduled.
With the upcoming final, Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubars are poised to etch their names into the World Cup record books as the youngest-ever finalists. They step into a rarefied circle of players under twenty, sharing the stage with legends like Pel from 1958 and Kylian Mbapp from 2018, showcasing the vibrant potential of Spains emerging football talents.
Amid a deepening split in the Trinamool Congress after its assembly election defeat, Abhishek Banerjee challenged dissident leaders to return to Mamata Banerjee, vowing to resign from his party post within an hour if they did. The offer drew sharp reactions from both TMC loyalists and rebels as the party's crisis intensified.
Quote of the Day by Pamela Anderson: Pamela Andersons quote, Sometimes when you smile, its not because youre happy. Its because youre strong, explores the importance of resilience, inner strength, and emotional courage during difficult moments. The quote suggests that a smile does not always represent happiness but can reflect the strength to overcome struggles, remain hopeful, and face challenges with confidence. It highlights how people often carry invisible battles while continuing to show po
A giant billboard unveiled in Tehran's Palestine Square depicts US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and his children above flag-draped coffins alongside the slogan Blood for Blood. The display marks the latest in a series of state-backed anti-Trump murals amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience widespread rain and thundershowers over the next twenty-four hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for isolated places in West and East Uttar Pradesh. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also very likely across many parts of the state. The Hindon river in Gautam Buddh Nagar district is flowing above its danger mark.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju invited rebel Trinamool Congress MPs to an all-party meeting. This meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, before the Monsoon Session begins. The session will commence on July 20 and conclude on August 13. Several opposition parties have experienced splits recently, impacting parliamentary dynamics. Key issues like the NEET-UG paper leak are expected to be raised by the opposition.
The United States and Iran exchanged strikes on infrastructure and military targets. Iran suspended its commitments under the interim deal with the U.S. Kuwait saw significant damage to a desalination plant and an oil facility. U.S. airstrikes also hit electricity and desalination plants in Iran. The conflict intensified over control of the Strait of Hormuz waterway.
France and England will compete for third place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both teams aim to finish the tournament with a victory and secure the bronze medal. France lost to Spain, while England suffered a late defeat against Argentina. This match marks Didier Deschamps' final game as France's manager. Indian fans can watch the game live on ZEE5 and Unite8 Sports channels.
Quote of the Day by Tom Hanks: Tom Hanks quote, But the battles against loneliness that I fought when I was 16 are very different from those I fought when I was 27, and those are very different from the ones I fight at 44, explores the evolving nature of loneliness and emotional growth throughout life. The quote suggests that while loneliness is a common human experience, its causes and challenges change as people grow older and face different stages of life.
Iranian hardliners believed a soft coup was underway during negotiations with the United States. Visible leaders pursued a deal abroad while internal authority contests grew. The funeral of Ali Khamenei exposed deep divisions and hardline anger. Mojtaba Khamenei's absence fueled fears of power consolidation by other officials. This struggle between competing power centers ultimately led to hardliners gaining an upper hand.
Quote of the day by Nick Jonas offers a powerful life lesson that faith provides hope when life feels uncertain. Through trust in Christ, believers find strength, peace, resilience, gratitude, and purpose that transcend temporary hardships. While challenges remain an unavoidable part of life, they do not have the final word. For those who place their confidence in their faith, every obstacle becomes an opportunity to grow stronger, deepen their trust, and continue moving forward with hope, knowi
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Badminton Association of India (BAI) President and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday unveiled the official mascot, Peacko, and launched the official championship anthem for the BWF World Championships, New Delhi 2026, marking the final 30-day countdown to badminton's biggest tournament.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh weather alert for Sunday, July 19. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across thirteen Indian states. Several regions may experience wind speeds up to 85 kmph and potential hailstorms. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow local advisories. Authorities have stepped up monitoring and emergency response measures.
Explaining the reason behind the initial delay, Narayanan said the problem occurred during the transition from the ground segment to the onboard computer.
As Donald Trump grapples with rising inflation and an escalating conflict with Iran, comparisons with former President Jimmy Carter have resurfaced. Once a frequent target of Trump's criticism, Carter now represents challenges similar to those confronting the current president, fuelling debate over Trump's legacy, leadership and political future.
A retail giant faced a significant penalty after selling expired Maggi noodles. The consumer commission ordered Vishal Mega Mart to pay a substantial fine. This action followed a customer's severe food poisoning after consuming the product. The commission highlighted the sale of expired goods as a public health concern. The retailer must now deposit a large sum into the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs. These parliamentarians now formally join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Lok Sabha. This development strengthens the Shinde faction's presence in the Lower House. It marks another setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). The Speaker is also considering a merger of 20 Trinamool Congress MPs.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has accepted the request of 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs for separate seating in the Lok Sabha. The move comes amid an internal split within the party and allows the dissident lawmakers to sit separately from the main TMC benches during House proceedings.
Quote of the Day by P. G. Wodehouse: P. G. Wodehouses quote, I always advise people never to give advice, explores the irony of human nature, personal judgment, and the importance of respecting individual choices. The quote suggests that while people often want to guide others with good intentions, advice is not always necessary or welcomed. It highlights the value of humility, understanding, and recognizing that everyone has their own experiences, challenges, and ways of finding solutions.
Psychology says people who always want a different meal may be influenced by variety-seeking behavior, sensation seeking, openness to experience, habituation, reward sensitivity, and curiosity rather than a single personality type.
Quote of the day by Jacob Elordi offers a thoughtful life advice that true belonging is built through trust, understanding, and lasting relationships. Loneliness is not measured by how many people surround us but by whether we feel genuinely known and supported. By investing time in meaningful connections, practicing empathy, nurturing existing relationships, and remaining open to building new ones, we create emotional foundations that sustain us through every stage of life. In a world filled wi
India's first urban night safari project at Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest has received Supreme Court approval. This ambitious project, inspired by Singapore's model, will showcase nocturnal wildlife in natural settings. Visitors will experience a 40-minute tram ride through simulated moonlight, observing animals safely. The integrated wildlife tourism project also includes a modern zoo and conservation facilities. This initiative aims to boost Uttar Pradesh tourism and promote wildlife awaren
Noida's property prices are rapidly increasing, making homeownership a significant challenge. A viral video highlighted compact apartments costing around eighty lakh rupees. This surge is driven by luxury developments and improving infrastructure like the Jewar airport. Developers cite rising land and material costs for the price hikes. Homebuyers now seek lifestyle and long-term value in their property investments.
Quote of the day by Kit Connor offers a timeless life lesson that uncertainty is universal. Self-discovery takes time, patience, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning. Instead of comparing ourselves with others or fearing the unknown, we can use uncertain moments to develop resilience, explore new possibilities, and build lives that reflect our genuine values. Purpose is rarely discovered all at onceit is created through the choices, experiences, and lessons that shape us over time. By
Activist Anna Hazare urged the Union government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk. He stated the government should not test Wangchuk's limits and should discuss his demands. Wangchuk is demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation over the NEET paper leak. His health deteriorated on the twenty-first day of his hunger strike. Delhi Police shifted him to a government hospital on Saturday.
While some corrections are genuinely helpful, constantly pointing out every mistake can sometimes strain relationships if empathy and timing are overlooked. Research suggests the healthiest communicators balance factual accuracy with emotional awareness. Correcting others is often most effective when it informs rather than embarrasses.
Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, passed away on Saturday. She was admitted to Manipal Hospital for a respiratory ailment and suffered a cardiac arrest. Chennamma was the survivor of an acid attack in February 2001. She married H D Deve Gowda in 1954 and had four sons and two daughters. Despite her prominent family, she largely stayed away from the public spotlight.
Opposition leaders criticised the Centre's handling of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. They called the action irresponsible and shameful, amounting to suppressing democratic dissent. Delhi Police moved Wangchuk to a hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day. Leaders stated the protest would continue regardless of actions taken against the activist. They urged the government to engage in sensitive discussions with the protesters.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a swipe at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleging he lacked vision and rarely met people during his tenure as chief minister. Addressing a rally in Bulandshahr, Adityanath contrasted the BJP government's welfare initiatives with the previous SP regime, accusing it of neglecting farmers, youth and the poor.

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