The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Indian banks can now lend against FCNR(B) deposits, with the RBI offering forex swaps only on the principal amount. This move aims to attract dollars by absorbing currency hedging costs for banks, boosting FCNR(B) rates to 6-7.1%. The central bank also clarified rules for stand-by letters of credit and introduced a swap facility for external commercial borrowings, easing dollar hedging for businesses.
Best Proverb of the Day: An ancient Irish proverb, 'A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures in the doctor's book,' offers timeless wisdom for modern life. Highlighting humor and rest as potent healing agents, it suggests simple, accessible remedies for stress and fatigue. Science now validates laughter's stress-reducing benefits and sleep's crucial role in physical and mental restoration, making this proverb a powerful reminder of essential well-being.
Mexican fans are creating their own vibrant FIFA World Cup celebrations on the streets due to exorbitant ticket prices, making the tournament inaccessible for many. Despite the high costs, communities are uniting in plazas and neighborhoods to watch their national team, fostering a strong sense of national pride and shared experience. This grassroots enthusiasm highlights soccer's deep cultural significance in Mexico, transcending economic barriers.
Strait of Hormuz continues to remain the bone of the contention in Iran-U.S. deal and middle-east gulf countries' geo-politics. The question remains when will situation normalize.
Best quote of the day by David Schwimmer: Actor David Schwimmer emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from self-awareness and authentic expression, not external validation. He suggests that understanding oneself is a continuous, lifelong journey, shaped by life's experiences.
Psychology teaches us that everyday habits often reveal invisible social dynamics. The dishes themselves are rarely the real story. Responsibility is. Awareness is. Habit is. People who consistently leave dishes behind are not automatically lazy, selfish, or inconsiderate; it is more about priorities.
Best Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Words should be weighed, not counted. The saying reflects the importance of thoughtful communication and the idea that the value of words lies in their meaning rather than their quantity. It suggests that speaking more does not necessarily make a message more effective. Instead, carefully chosen words often carry greater impact, clarity, and wisdom than lengthy explanations.
A Bangladeshi Prime Minister's advisor, Zahed Ur Rahman, was briefly held at Delhi airport due to a security blacklist but was allowed entry after confirming his attendance at an Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting. Despite being permitted, he voluntarily returned to Dhaka. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the incident and Rahman's subsequent departure.
Euphrates River origin: Contrary to popular belief, the mighty Euphrates River wasn't always a single entity. New research reveals it began as two colossal ancient waterways, Paleo-Karasu and Paleo-Murat, flowing separately into the Mediterranean Sea around 5.5 million years ago.
The government plans to commence the ambitious Great Nicobar Project by 2028, aiming to establish a strategic maritime and economic hub. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured that ecological balance, including protecting leatherback sea turtles and coral zones, will be maintained. This comes despite opposition from the Congress, which has raised concerns about environmental impact and alleged benefits for a single businessman.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Bhushan to veteran actor Mammootty and posthumously to former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren. Playback singer Alka Yagnik and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj were also honored for their significant contributions. The ceremony recognized distinguished individuals across cinema, public affairs, music, sports, literature, and education, including Padma Vibhushan recipient P. Narayanan and Justice K.T. Thomas.
Banks can now offer loans to non-residents and issue standby letters of credit against FCNR(B) deposits under the RBI's swap facility. This regulatory clarity from the central bank allows Indian banks, including overseas branches, to lend to non-residents who then place these funds as FCNR(B) deposits, serving as collateral. This move aims to boost foreign currency inflows, with the swap facility covering only the principal amount of deposits.
Life lesson quote of the day by Milton Berle is a tribute to the extraordinary dedication, strength, and versatility of mothers. Through humor, the quote acknowledges the countless responsibilities mothers manage and the profound impact they have on the lives of others. Mothers perform many roles simultaneously, often with remarkable patience and love. Their contributions to families and society are invaluable. The quote reminds us to appreciate, respect, and celebrate the extraordinary individu
India's trade saw a healthy 5.4% growth in Q4 FY26, driven by robust services exports that significantly boosted the services trade surplus to $60.4 billion. Despite a dip in merchandise exports, the strong performance in services, which are increasingly closing the gap with goods exports, bolstered overall trade figures. India also solidified its global standing as a leading services exporter.
Every day, onion peels go straight from the chopping board to the dustbin without a second thought. But these papery outer layers can be surprisingly useful around the home, garden, and even in the kitchen. Before you toss them out, try these simple ways to give onion peels a second life and cut down on kitchen waste.
Enforcement Directorate officials conducted searches at Rajesh Exports' Bengaluru and Mumbai locations. This action follows scrutiny by market regulator Sebi over alleged financial irregularities, including inflated revenues attributed to overseas subsidiaries. Sebi has also restricted the company's CMD from trading its securities pending further investigation. The company has denied any wrongdoing, citing a potential communication gap.
Psychology says people who like to munch while going on trips aren't always eating because of hunger. Psychology suggests that snacking during travel can be linked to comfort, routine, boredom, excitement, stress management, and reward. This behavior may also help people stay engaged during long journeys. Understanding the reasons behind travel snacking can help people become more aware of their eating habits and make informed choices during trips.
India Inc. is celebrating Kunal Shah's appointment as WhatsApp head, hailing it as a milestone for Indian startup leadership. Industry leaders lauded his intellectual curiosity and infectious optimism, noting his unique philosophy background and entrepreneurial journey. Meta's investment in his fintech firm CRED and Shah's deep understanding of consumer behavior are seen as key assets for the messaging giant's future growth.
R. Madhavan, a celebrated actor, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. From his early days in television to a successful film career spanning over 75 movies, Madhavan has consistently reinvented himself, showcasing remarkable versatility. His recent intense portrayal of Ajay Sanyal in the Dhurandhar franchise has further solidified his reputation as a powerful performer.
A significant discovery is bringing the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria back to light. Archaeologists have recovered 22 massive stone blocks from its submerged ruins, a crucial step in a project aiming to digitally reconstruct this ancient wonder. These recovered pieces, some weighing up to 88 tons, will be scanned and integrated with historical data to create the most accurate representation yet of the iconic structure, lost for over 700 years.
Veteran actor Mammootty was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable five-decade-long career in Indian cinema. A three-time National Award winner, Mammootty's extensive work spans multiple languages, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in Malayalam cinema and beyond. He has also dedicated himself to charitable endeavors.
Kidney failure is not limited to people who drink alcohol. Diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and other health conditions can also damage the kidneys. From swollen feet and foamy urine to fatigue and brain fog, these seven symptoms may signal declining kidney function and should not be ignored.
Gold rate prediction: Traders ratcheted up bets on higher interest rates this year, with an about 68 per cent chance of a September hike, up from 29 per cent last week, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Europe is grappling with a severe heatwave, forcing school closures and travel advisories across Britain, France, Italy, and Spain. France recorded its hottest night ever, with 40 drownings reported as people sought relief. Scientists link these extreme events to human-caused global warming, warning of increased frequency and intensity. Authorities are urging caution due to deadly health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Many people believe being endlessly helpful earns appreciation. Psychology suggests the opposite can sometimes happen. These 3 everyday habits quietly shape how others value your time, effort, and presenceand understanding them may change the way you approach relationships forever.
Psychology teaches us that everyday habits often reveal hidden mental processes. The handwriting itself is rarely the real story. Prioritization is. For many people, writing quickly is not a sign of carelessness. More often, it reflects a brain that is focused on capturing ideas, keeping pace with fast-moving thoughts, and placing greater importance on information than perfection.
A Mumbai lawyer's brand-new Skoda Superb refused to start just five months after purchase. The car spent 58 days at the service centre while the dealer waited for imported spare parts from Skoda Auto India. Despite emails, complaints to Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, and a decade-long legal battle, the Maharashtra State Consumer Commission has now ruled against both Skoda and its dealer, holding that a manufacturer cannot hide behind principal-to-principal clauses when its own supply chain fails its c
Iran declared UN nuclear watchdog inspections at bombed sites are off-limits, despite a US-Iran deal to end the Middle East war. Talks in Switzerland concluded with a 60-day roadmap for broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief. Meanwhile, direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to begin in Washington, aiming to end regional hostilities.
Ketan Agarwal Pune death: A shocking turn of events has transformed a supposed trekking accident into a murder investigation. Ketan Agarwal, a 26-year-old real estate director, died after allegedly being pushed into a gorge by his fiance, Siya Goyal, and her lover, Chetan Chaudhary. The family's suspicions about the accident's nature proved crucial in uncovering the alleged conspiracy, leading to the couple's detention and a registered murder case.
Paige Bueckers' 27 points, including her 1,000th career milestone, and Azzi Fudd's career-high 26, with the game-winning layup, propelled the Dallas Wings to a thrilling 112-110 overtime victory against the Seattle Storm. Bueckers' late surge in regulation forced overtime, where Fudd's decisive basket secured the win. Dallas set a WNBA record with 48 made field goals in the contest.
Europe faces an urgent need to bolster its defence capabilities as the US considers reducing its military presence on the continent. EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius warned that a potential US troop withdrawal could leave the continent vulnerable, especially to Russian aggression. He stressed the necessity of filling strategic gaps, potentially costing billions, and urged for greater integration of the EU's defence industry to outproduce and out-innovate Russia.
India's CAG and Israel's State Comptroller have inked a pact to boost public sector auditing through knowledge sharing and best practices. This Memorandum of Understanding aims to enhance collaboration, capacity building, and expertise exchange between the two nations' audit institutions.
US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has agreed to the highest level of nuclear inspections indefinitely, ensuring uclear honesty. He stated this concession was crucial for future negotiations, implying a different path would have been taken otherwise. Trump also claimed credit for keeping the vital Hormuz Strait open due to these major concessions from Tehran.
Miami Heat has secured NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade. The two-time MVP, a 10-time All-Star, joins the Heat in exchange for a significant package of players and draft picks. This move signals Miami's continued pursuit of championship contention, mirroring past successful acquisitions like Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James. Antetokounmpo's desire for more titles aligns perfectly with the Heat's ambitions.
A significant rift within the TMC has deepened as Mamata Banerjee's faction seeks to replace Firhad Hakim as Chief Whip with Madan Mitra. This follows Hakim's alignment with the dissident group led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The move escalates the internal power struggle, with both organizational and legislative wings now contested by rival factions after the party's election defeat.
The US Federal Reserve is releasing its annual bank stress test results today, assessing how major lenders would fare in a severe economic downturn. While this year's tests won't alter capital requirements due to ongoing rule overhauls, they offer crucial insights into the banking system's resilience. These checks, initiated after the 2007-2009 crisis, ensure banks can absorb shocks, with results dictating capital reserves and shareholder returns.
Psychology says people who love to listen their praise aren't always driven by pride or self-importance. In many cases, they seek appreciation, emotional support, or reassurance from others. Psychology explains that praise can satisfy emotional needs and improve confidence. This article explains the meaning of this behavior, the psychology behind it, related theories, why people do it, the lessons to learn, and how understanding it can improve relationships.
Jake McCarthy's dramatic ninth-inning triple secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Colorado Rockies against the Boston Red Sox. Trailing by two runs, the Rockies loaded the bases before McCarthy's clutch hit sealed the win. Victor Vodnik earned the victory in relief, while Tyler Freeman contributed three hits. Boston's strong outing from rookie Jake Bennett was ultimately undone by a late bullpen collapse.
iPhone 18 pro max price and launch date in India: Prepare for a potential price hike on Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, slated for a September 2026 launch. Analysts predict a $100-$150 increase due to soaring memory chip costs and other component expenses. While the base Pro model might see a modest rise, higher storage variants are expected to bear the brunt of these escalating production costs.
A parliamentary committee will delve into critical issues affecting women, including domestic violence, trafficking, and the welfare of female inmates and health workers. Discussions will also cover gender budgeting and the implementation of the workplace harassment act. Established in 1997, this 30-member panel aims to uplift women's status, working collaboratively across party lines.
Delayed monsoon and deficient rainfall, with 315 districts potentially affected, are raising concerns for the upcoming kharif crop sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that 111 districts, particularly 20 in Maharashtra, are highly vulnerable due to limited irrigation. Despite a weaker monsoon forecast, current kharif coverage is slightly ahead of last year.
The Yellowstone universe is witnessing a significant shift as Rip Wheeler steps away from his foreman duties at the Dutton Ranch. His responsibilities are now being distributed among new characters, reflecting his unique impact. While Rip and Beth forge a new life in Texas, the series explores how his influence continues to shape the ranch, sparking debate among fans about this evolving leadership dynamic.
Tennis icon Novak Djokovic says the one thing parents try hardest to avoid for their kids, boredom, might actually be the most important thing they need. He shared a personal anecdote where his son's declaration of boredom led to a conversation about the value of unstructured thought, rather than immediate entertainment. Djokovic believes modern parenting often shields kids from this essential state, hindering their imagination and ability to process thoughts.
India and the UK have concluded constructive and forward-looking talks aimed at forging a strong plan to boost defence ties. The 15th India-United Kingdom Executive Steering Group meeting, held in the UK, focused on enhancing military cooperation through joint exercises, training, and exchanges in advanced technologies. Officials expressed optimism about deepening the enduring partnership between the two armies, building on recent trade agreements.
An Indian government investigation has revealed Telegram's extensive use for child abuse material and financial scams. The Home Ministry's report, submitted in court, highlights concerns over the app's privacy features hindering identity detection. This scrutiny follows a temporary ban and ongoing global investigations into illegal content on the platform, with India receiving hundreds of thousands of cyber fraud complaints.

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