The Economic Times

Kolkata rains: As Kolkata and other Bengal districts go to phase 2 voting today, the IMD has predicted rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts. In Kolkata, a yellow alert has been issued and the weather office has urged people to carry umbrellas to the polling stations. Nadia, Hooghly, Mednipore, Purulia will also see rain today.

During a White House state dinner, President Trump stated that King Charles agrees with him that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed military success against an unnamed opponent in the Middle East. The King's remarks did not address Iran or the conflict, and the British Embassy referred inquiries to Buckingham Palace.

President Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his remarks on the Iran conflict, accusing him of misjudging Tehran's nuclear ambitions and misrepresenting his own position. Merz had previously stated Iran's leadership was humiliating the US and questioned Washington's strategy, highlighting Iran's strength and skillful negotiations amid rising global tensions.

Iran's Army asserts the West Asian conflict remains a war despite a US ceasefire, claiming full operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson Amir Akraminia stated forces are highly prepared, anticipating and repelling potential ground invasions and targeting hostile aircraft. Tehran remains confident of victory amid ongoing tensions.

Rudraprayag district administration has intensified surveillance for the Kedarnath Yatra, utilizing over 90 cameras and a dedicated command center for round-the-clock monitoring. Officials are ensuring pilgrim safety and adherence to guidelines, with a focus on hygiene at community kitchens. The Yatra is witnessing a massive devotional wave and record numbers of visitors.

Delhi-NCR weather today: The weather in Delhi-NCR saw a sharp turn on Wednesday morning as the residents woke up to rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, bringing a much-needed relief from the extreme heat. The IMD has forecast more rain for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad today. A yellow and orange alert is in place for various parts of the national capital.

President Trump has nominated G. Hunter McMaster II as Assistant Treasury Secretary for Financial Markets, a role he has been performing since July. McMaster, formerly trading chief at Key Square Group, previously served as Director of Policy and Planning and counselor to the Treasury Secretary. The Treasury Department also announced other key appointments, including Quinn Gabriel as White House liaison.

The petitioner alleged that Sharma, often nicknamed the Singham of UP for his record as an encounter specialist, has abandoned the neutrality required of an Election Commission (ECI) observer.

UK's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening (local time) for a state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as part of his ongoing state visit to the United States marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Why US stock markets crashed today, and Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones in red now? US stocks ended lower as AI growth fears, oil price surge, Fed policy signals, and earnings season drove caution. Tech and chip shares fell after reports about OpenAI. Investors also reacted to rising crude prices, war risks, and company earnings updates across sectors.

Why are oil prices up now, and will Brent, US WTI crude rates continue to rise or drop again? Oil prices climbed as the Iran conflict disrupted supply and the UAE announced it would leave OPEC and OPEC+. Brent moved near a three-week high and WTI crossed $100. Investors also tracked inflation, bond yields, and stock market weakness driven by AI growth concerns and global central bank decisions.

Trumps face and signature in gold to appear on US passports soon? The State Department plans limited-edition passports to mark 250 years of the United States. The design includes Donald Trumps image and signature in gold inside the passport cover. The passports will be issued from the Washington Passport Agency. The change links to larger celebrations planned for Americas 250th anniversary and other commemorative projects.

Taylor Swift was recently spotted enjoying a dinner date with her father, Scott, in New York City. This outing comes amid growing speculation about her upcoming wedding to Travis Kelce. Fans are anticipating a July 4th weekend celebration, especially after Travis hinted at their busy schedule in June.

The FCC is reviewing ABC licences after a controversy linked to Jimmy Kimmels joke about Melania Trump. The issue has created political backlash and debate over free speech and media control. Officials say the review is about company policies, but critics think it is pressure on content. Any legal action may take a long time to resolve.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is targeting Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur seat in West Bengal's upcoming polling phase. The party is confident of securing victories in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, and Hooghly. BJP expects to win at least 40 seats in the Bengal Presidency region. The party also anticipates a strong showing in North Bengal, Junglemahal, and South Bengal districts.

California settlement payouts 2026: Californians can now claim compensation from numerous class action settlements, covering data breaches, retail purchases, apps, vehicles, housing, and wildfire damages. Payouts vary significantly, with some data breach claims potentially reaching $10,000.

Quote of the Day by Cleopatra: Cleopatras quote reflects a deep truth about human nature. It suggests that people often become more engaged with chaos, challenges, and dramatic changes, even when they bring discomfort or instability. At the same time, we tend to undervalue peace, stability, and comfort, taking them for granted when life is calm. The timeless wisdom highlights a psychological paradox: humans are drawn to intensity but struggle to appreciate simplicity.

India is experiencing intense heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 46C in many areas. While El Nino can amplify heat conditions and disrupt monsoon patterns, experts state it's not the sole cause. Persistent high pressure and fewer western disturbances are identified as primary drivers of the extreme heat.

The White Lotus Season 4 is taking shape with a major casting update as Laura Dern joins the ensemble following Helena Bonham Carters exit. Rather than recasting the original role, the creators have chosen to introduce a newly written character tailored for Dern. Filming is currently underway across the French Riviera, with the story unfolding during the Cannes Film Festival. As with previous seasons, the narrative will follow a new group of guests and staff over the course of a week. With a fre

Quote of the Day: F. W. de Klerk, a pivotal figure in ending apartheid, is remembered for his call to prioritize children's futures by halting conflicts and fostering new opportunities. His leadership, marked by bold reforms and a commitment to reconciliation, led to South Africa's first all-race elections and a Nobel Peace Prize.

Manchester City faces a demanding schedule. Three games in seven days will decide their domestic treble hopes. They play Crystal Palace, then Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Finally, they visit Bournemouth. This run is vital for their title race with Arsenal. City has already won the English League Cup.

Atletico Madrid faces Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The team aims for redemption after a recent cup final loss. Fans are urged to support the team in this crucial match. Atletico has a history of near misses in Europe. This game offers a chance for glory on the club's anniversary. The team's spirit and determination are key to success.

Mehraj Malik, an Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Doda, has been released from Kathua jail after eight months. His detention under the Public Safety Act was quashed by the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Malik, who represents the Doda constituency, was arrested in September 2025.

Turkish Airlines has stopped flights to 23 cities due to fuel problems and war impact. Many routes are paused for now and may start later this year or next year. Some cities are fully closed due to safety issues. Passengers should check flight updates. These changes affect Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions for now.

Crypto-backed mortgage explained: Home financing is evolving as a new mortgage model allows buyers to use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for down payments, partnering with Coinbase. While avoiding immediate crypto sales and potential tax deferrals, this approach leads to significantly higher monthly payments compared to traditional mortgages, impacting affordability for many.

Maharashtra is extending its Marathi language learning rule to app-based cab and auto services. Drivers and riders with Uber, Ola, and Rapido will soon need to learn Marathi. The transport minister confirmed a policy is being prepared for these aggregators. This follows an extension for traditional taxi and auto drivers to learn the language by August 15.

The Supreme Court has reinstated the SBI-led consortium as financial creditors of Reliance Infratel. The consortium is owed 3,628 crore. This decision overturns previous rulings by lower tribunals. The court directed the reconstitution of the committee of creditors. Six banks are now included as financial creditors. Corporate guarantees were deemed financial debt under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

WhatsApp has banned over 9,400 accounts involved in digital arrest scams and impersonating law enforcement in India. This action was taken over a 12-week period starting in January. Most scam operations were traced to Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia. WhatsApp is implementing SIM binding and new tools to combat these fraudulent activities.

Pakistan is raising concerns at the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding India's hydel projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan alleges India is exaggerating water storage claims for projects like Kiru. These projects are crucial for India's power generation plans. Pakistan suggests India's actions could significantly impact downstream water availability.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit that terrorism hubs will face consequences. He stressed a unified global stance against terror, separatism, and extremism. Singh highlighted India's resolve to respond to terror threats. He called for a world order prioritizing co-existence over conflict. Nations must act collectively against terrorism without double standards.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will not participate further in the Delhi excise policy case. He has written to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma expressing doubts about her impartiality. Sisodia cited the judge's public appearances at certain events and her children's professional ties. These issues, he stated, cause him significant concern regarding the fairness of the proceedings.

Mohammed Salim Dola, a key associate of Dawood Ibrahim, has been brought to India from Turkiye. The Narcotics Control Bureau took him into custody at Delhi's IGI Airport. Dola is a wanted drug trafficker with a transnational syndicate. This operation highlights strong international cooperation. Authorities are committed to dismantling drug networks.

West Bengal is set for the second and final phase of assembly polls on Wednesday. Key leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari are contesting. Voters in 142 constituencies across South Bengal and Kolkata will cast their ballots. Over 32 million people are expected to participate. Extensive security measures are in place, including central police forces and quick response teams.

West Bengal votes today on a single issue: insiders versus outsiders. Mamata Banerjee seeks to keep BJP out, fearing cultural and existential changes. Prime Minister Modi's challengers aim to reshape the state financially. The election's outcome will impact the future of West Bengal, Purba Bardhaman district, and its villages.

India's heatwave is causing a surge in demand for hill stations like Dehradun and Munnar. Travel firms report increased bookings for cooler destinations. Summer holidays are starting earlier this year. This trend is expected to lead to healthy growth in domestic tourism. Hotel rates in popular spots are rising.

Industry groups and the National Highways Authority of India are issuing heatwave advisories. These suggest flexible work hours and other safety measures. The goal is to protect workers and maintain business productivity during extreme weather. Companies are urged to adjust schedules and provide rest breaks. These steps aim to ensure national highway construction and operations continue smoothly.

This week, the Finance Ministry is set to evaluate the advancements in financial inclusion, laying the groundwork for Financial Inclusion 2.0. Officials will scrutinize existing initiatives such as the Atal Pension Yojana.

America has imposed sanctions on 35 groups and individuals. These actions target Iran's shadow banking system. This network moves billions of dollars. It aids sanctions evasion and Iran's support for terrorism. Firms paying tolls to Iran or the IRGC for passage through the Strait of Hormuz will also face sanctions.

Former FBI Director James Comey faces a new indictment. Officials claim a social media photo of seashells was a threat to President Donald Trump. The numbers in the photo, '86 47', are interpreted by some as a call to violence. Comey denies this, stating he opposed violence. This is the second criminal case against the former FBI chief.

Google Translate has completed 20 years and launched a new AI pronunciation feature. This tool helps users speak better with instant feedback. Sundar Pichai shared that the platform now supports many languages and uses advanced AI. Google Translate is growing fast and helping people learn, talk, and connect easily across different languages in daily life.

Ted Lasso Season 4: After a long hiatus, Ted Lasso returns with a fresh chapter as Ted steps back into Richmond with a new challenge. This time, he leads a second-division womens football team, marking a major shift from his previous experience. The trailer teases emotional moments, including scenes with his son and evolving relationships among familiar characters. New faces join the cast, adding depth to the storyline.

In a bid to strengthen worker protections, the Labour and Employment Ministry is launching a comprehensive inspection program. This proactive approach will target businesses that fail to register with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.

India is pushing forward with trade deals. Negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada are speeding up. Talks are also underway with Chile and Peru. However, discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council have been temporarily halted due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India plans to waive intellectual property fees for sporting goods for three years.

A Bank of Baroda probationary officers viral payslip has sparked fresh interest in bank PO salaries and government banking jobs in India. The officer revealed an in-hand amount of Rs 98,745 for 40 days, along with a wide range of perks such as accommodation, allowances, and medical benefits. The post has triggered discussions around the financial stability, benefits, and long-term security offered by public sector bank jobs, especially as similar salary reveals from SBI officers continue to gain

Saudi Aramco will halt liquefied petroleum gas shipments next month. The Juaymah export facility sustained damage in February. Repairs are delayed, preventing shipments through May. This disruption impacts buyers, especially in Asia. India, reliant on LPG for cooking, faces significant effects. The regional conflict further complicates energy supplies.