The Economic Times

In a significant escalation, Iran has directed Houthi militias to get ready to obstruct the Red Sea oil passage should the United States carry out strikes on Iranian power facilities. Sources indicate that the Houthis are already positioning missiles and drones in proximity to Bab el-Mandeb strait. This potential blockade poses a risk of considerable disruption to the global energy market and would affect Saudi oil exports significantly.

Trump's fixation on his loss to Democrat Joe Biden six years ago and the long-debunked theories he's circulated about it are something he still brings up regularly when discussing other subjects. But elevating the deeply political and conspiratorial topics to a presidential primetime address underscores the lengths to which Trump has used his second term to both blow past norms and fixate on old grievances.

Iraq briefly suspended oil loadings after a drone struck an oil tanker. The drone did not cause damage or start a fire at the terminal. Loadings have now resumed at normal rates, according to officials. The incident was not a direct attack on the Basra Oil Terminal. The ministry is investigating the matter and operations continue.

Your cat's favorite sleeping position could reveal a clever survival strategy that still guides feline behavior today. Veterinary experts say common cat sleeping positions often reflect comfort, trust, body temperature control, and natural survival instincts passed down from wild ancestors. A curled-up cat may be protecting warmth, while a belly-up sleeper often feels secure at home.

A viral hiring announcement claims IIT students received a Rs 67 lakh internship offer. This offer is for a two-month quantitative strategist internship in Gurgaon. The post has sparked widespread debate and speculation online among users. Many users suggest the opportunity might be with the firm Quadeye. The firm's careers page lists a similar intern role, adding to the discussion.

Psychology says people who are scared of going to hospitals may be responding to learned experiences, fear of uncertainty, loss of control, catastrophic thinking, and the brain's natural threat-detection system. These reactions are often protective rather than irrational, even if they become overwhelming.

Most Indian households go through a fair amount of aluminium foil every week, wrapping rotis, lining trays, or covering leftovers. And most of it goes straight into the bin after one use. Before you do that, here are seven practical ways to give it a second life.

A Delhi court has permitted jailed MP Engineer Rashid to attend Parliament. He will attend the upcoming Monsoon session while remaining in custody. This custody parole allows him to be escorted by armed police personnel. Rashid faces charges related to terror funding and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been lodged in Tihar Jail since his 2019 arrest.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams recorded its highest single-day donation collection ever. Devotees contributed nearly ninety-seven crore rupees in just one day. This surge followed the trust's announcement of revised donor privileges taking effect. Thousands rushed to donate before the midnight deadline to retain existing benefits. The record collection highlights strong devotee faith and the impact of donor privileges.

Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has raised concerns regarding Project Cheetah's implementation. He cited violations of the RTI Act and irregularities in cheetah tranquillisation processes. Dubey highlighted issues with information access and administrative expenditure within the project. He also pointed out the illegal dual role of an official as PIO and FAA. An independent probe into cheetah tranquillisation in Kuno Park has been requested.

NYC Click-to-Cancel rule: New York City will soon implement a click-to-cancel rule for subscriptions. This regulation requires companies to offer easy online cancellations starting October 1, 2026. Services like Netflix and gym memberships must comply with this new consumer protection. Businesses failing to adhere face significant financial penalties and enforcement actions. The rule aims to empower consumers and prevent hidden recurring charges.

The Kremlin states Russian economic difficulties are not critical and remain stable. Corporate sentiment sharply deteriorated in July, reaching its lowest point since mid-2022. Companies' price expectations rose markedly after five consecutive months of decline. Rising inflation expectations point to sharp cost increases amid fuel shortages. Experts warn this situation could lead to stagflation, forcing difficult economic choices.

The Jules Rimet Trophy, football's original prize, vanished twice in history. A dog named Pickles famously found the trophy after its first theft. Brazil permanently won the trophy after their third World Cup victory. Thieves later stole the trophy from Brazil's headquarters in 1983. Its ultimate fate remains an enduring and unsolved football mystery.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea against Tamil Nadu's electoral roll revision. Several political parties have also approached the apex court challenging this exercise. The Special Intensive Revision aims to update voter lists across several states. This process could potentially disenfranchise voters without due process. The final voter list is scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.

West Indies vs New Zealand Playing 11: The West Indies and New Zealand series stands tied at one win apiece. Both teams prepare for the decisive third ODI match on Friday. The Providence Stadium in Guyana will host the crucial encounter. The pitch is expected to favor bowlers, offering a challenging contest. Fans can follow the action via live streaming on the FanCode app.

African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of No matter how tall your grandfather is, you have to do your own growing. The saying emphasizes that while family, mentors, and past generations can provide guidance, opportunities, and inspiration, personal growth is ultimately an individual responsibility. It reminds us that success, wisdom, and character cannot be inheritedthey are earned through our own efforts, choices, and perseverance.

The India-UK free trade pact is expected to reduce trade costs significantly. Domestic goods will gain enhanced competitiveness in the British market. Labour-intensive sectors now enter the UK market with zero duty. Experts believe this agreement will achieve a USD 100 billion bilateral trade target. Indian enterprises must now leverage these commitments for tangible outcomes.

Kuwait's military said it intercepted a fresh round of incoming fire from Iran, as tensions in the Gulf continue to escalate following intensified US strikes on the Islamic Republic amid the Strait of Hormuz conflict.

Google founder Larry Page's net worth surpassed $300 billion recently, making him one of the richest men in the world. This milestone occurred after a significant rally in Alphabet's stock shares. Legendary investor Warren Buffett admitted to regretting not investing in Alphabet much earlier. Berkshire Hathaway's initial investment in Alphabet has now grown substantially.

A Hyderabad jewellery shop that sold a Rs 1.16 lakh lucky stone locket energised through Vedic rituals has been ordered to pay over Rs 11 lakh in total relief after a consumer commission found it misled a customer using religious practices as a sales tool, with Rs 10 lakh in punitive damages directed to a legal services authority.

Argentina's potential World Cup victory revives the 'Curse of Tilcara' folklore. This legend claims a broken promise from 1986 led to decades of football heartbreak. Fans believe a 2018 visit by some players finally lifted the supposed curse. AI fact-checking suggests historical basis but denies a mystical pact. The debate continues as Argentina aims for another championship title.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed his party's protest plan. The protest in Delhi on July 20 will proceed as scheduled. He stated that the venue or mode of protest might change. Abdullah refused to label permission delays as sabotage or diversion tactics. His party intends to raise its voice in Delhi regarding statehood restoration.

The Delhi High Court has granted a final chance for AAP leaders to respond. They must file their replies within two weeks regarding the CBI's plea. The court deferred the hearing to August 17 and 18 for arguments. This case involves the trial court's order discharging them earlier. Lawyers' work abstention caused delays in the proceedings.

In the searches carried out on July 9, the agency claimed to have recovered and seized digital devices, incriminating documents, property papers, audited financial statements and accounting records.

Kapil Sibal urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. He criticized the BJP-led Centre as anti-people and lacking dialogue. Wangchuk's health is critical after nineteen days without food. Doctors warned of organ damage while Wangchuk refused to end his fast. Support for the agitation continues to grow from various leaders.

Indian bowler Gurnoor Brar received a warning and a demerit point. He was penalized for throwing the ball dangerously during the first ODI. Brar admitted the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee. This incident occurred in the eighth over of England's innings. India secured a six-wicket victory in the match.

IND vs ENG Pitch Report & Weather Update: India seeks a second ODI victory against England on Thursday. Shubman Gill led India to a six-wicket win in the first match. The Sophia Gardens pitch offers a balanced contest for bowlers and batters. Weather forecasts predict clear skies and warm temperatures for the game. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method will be applied if rain interrupts play.

OnePlus, once a popular premium Android challenger, faces potential restructuring and market exits. Parent company Oppo is reportedly planning significant changes to its smartphone business operations. This strategic shift could see OnePlus winding down operations in key international markets soon. India remains a crucial market, though future plans extend to 2027.

Ukraine's parliament has approved Sergii Koretskyi as the nation's new prime minister. Koretskyi, an engineer and economist, has extensive experience in the energy sector. He previously led major state companies like Naftogaz and Ukrnafta. Preparing Ukraine's energy infrastructure for the upcoming winter is his primary focus. This appointment follows a wider government reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged ICAR to increase pulse and oilseed productivity. He emphasized research must address ground-level farmer needs and improve crop quality. The minister called for greater fertiliser self-sufficiency and integrated farming models. ICAR will develop climate-smart villages and deploy young scientists to frontier areas. The institution aims to provide 10 crore farmers direct access to scientific solutions.

Psychology suggests that people who find it difficult to step outside their comfort zone are often influenced by a combination of psychological factors. Uncertainty, fear of failure, low self-confidence, loss aversion, and learned patterns of avoidance can all make change feel more challenging than it appears from the outside.

Pamela Anderson recently showcased her extensive vegetable garden on Instagram. She has cultivated a quiet, land-based life away from Hollywood. Her passion for growing food is a long-standing and central part of her routine. This gardening endeavor began after renovating her family property on Vancouver Island. Anderson finds her gardening activities to be a self-soothing and joyful meditation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced concern over activist Sonam Wangchuk's health, noting that Wangchuk has lost significant weight during his hunger strike. Abdullah criticised the central government for not appealing to Wangchuk to end his fast.

The University of Delhi will release its CSAS Round 1 seat allotment list on Thursday. Candidates can check their results on the official DU website after 5 PM. Accepted seats require confirmation between July 16 and July 18, 2026. Colleges will verify documents until July 20, with fee payment due July 21. Popular courses this year include B.Com (Hons.) and BA (Hons.) English.

Mosquito killer drone: A palm-sized AI micro-drone has autonomously detected, tracked and intercepted a flying moth in mid-air, marking a significant engineering milestone. The technology could one day help target disease-carrying mosquitoes without relying on chemical insecticides. Instead of conventional cameras, the drone uses ultrasonic sonar and analyses insects' wingbeat signatures to detect, identify and track its targets.

Parliament will soon consider a bill to formalize increased Supreme Court judge numbers. This legislation replaces an ordinance which raised the strength from 34 to 38 judges. Opposition members have formally registered their disapproval of the ordinance in the Lok Sabha. The government aims to pass this bill with a simple majority in Parliament. This move follows the recent appointment of five new judges to the apex court.

The Supreme Court declined to hear demolition contempt petitions directly. Aggrieved parties must now approach their respective High Courts for relief. The top court will transfer all relevant case records to these lower courts. High Courts will decide factual issues and may seek evidence through district courts. Interim protection granted by the Supreme Court will continue during these proceedings.

Congress leaders claim the BJP government is hindering Rahul Gandhi's student event in Dehradun. The event was moved to a smaller venue after permission was cancelled for Parade Ground. Leaders allege this is a deliberate attempt to limit the youth turnout for the program. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address students regarding exam irregularities and paper leaks.

A teacher performing official duties as a booth-level officer faced abuse and obstruction. The incident occurred on July 5 in Chandni Mahal while she was conducting revision work. Accused individuals allegedly signed the register and refused to accept official forms. Police arrested four persons after the teacher reported the matter to authorities. An FIR was registered, and all four accused have been taken into custody.

Ind vs Eng 2nd ODI Free Live Telecast: India seeks to secure the ODI series against England in Cardiff. The Men in Blue won the opening match convincingly at Edgbaston. Shubman Gill led the batting effort with a strong performance. Fans can watch the match live on Sony Sports Network channels. The game begins at 5:30 PM IST with the toss at 5 PM.

Actress-turned-politician Koel Mallick has resigned from the Rajya Sabha after a short tenure. This development follows Madan Mitra's resignation from all Trinamool Congress posts yesterday. Mitra, an MLA, joined a rebel faction citing ineffectiveness within the party. He alleged leadership focused on Abhishek Banerjee instead of organizational strength. Mallick submitted her resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

India's social protection coverage has now reached over one hundred crore citizens and this expansion was acknowledged by the International Labour Organisation, said Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The coverage grew from twenty-five crore in 2015 to over one hundred crore by 2026. This achievement reflects the government's commitment to inclusive development for all. The International Social Security Association also recognized this outstanding social security achievement