The Economic Times

Proverb of the day: The saying, An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep, explains why leadership is often more important than individual strength. The proverb highlights strategy, courage, morale, and direction. Though commonly linked to Alexander the Great, its exact origin remains uncertain. The message continues to guide people in workplaces, education, sports, business, and daily life.

West Asian tourism destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are banking on India to revive their sector post-conflict. These nations are rolling out attractive travel deals and boosting flight capacity, with India showing resilient demand. Ras Al Khaimah, for instance, aims for 3.5 million visitors by 2030, with India as a key driver, already seeing significant growth.

India is set to host the BRICS Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati from July 6-7. This crucial gathering aims to bolster intelligence sharing and operational cooperation among member nations to combat the evolving landscape of drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs and darknet-enabled operations. The meeting will focus on practical strategies for interdiction, capacity building, and collective responses to emerging threats, marking a shift towards action-oriented collaboration.

India and Russia are targeting $50 billion in mutual investments by 2030, focusing on joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and green technology. A recent meeting in Moscow saw both nations agreeing to encourage private sector exploration and collaboration. India highlighted its cost-effective skilled workforce and investment-friendly reforms, while the Making in Russia for India model was also promoted to boost bilateral industrial ties.

India and Indonesia are set to launch the restoration of the historic Prambanan Temple during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Yogyakarta on July 8. This initiative underscores a deepening civilizational bond and a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The project, a follow-up to a 2025 pledge, aims to translate this historical connection into tangible strategic cooperation, highlighting the importance of practical implementation in bilateral ties.

Nearly 22 lakh voters have been removed from draft electoral rolls in Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, and Sikkim as part of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision. Deaths and electors who have shifted residence account for most deletions, with Odisha seeing over 20 lakh removals. Manipur, however, reported the highest proportion of anomalies. Citizens can file claims and objections until August 4 to restore names before final rolls are published.

A special ledger allegedly maintained by CMRL's former CFO, Suresh Kumar KS, has revealed fraudulent cash flows into the Kerala firm. Probe agencies, including the ED, are investigating these alleged irregularities totaling 182 crore, which reportedly involved payments to various entities based on the MD's instructions.

Commemorating Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his unwavering commitment to India's unity and national service. Mookerjee's life exemplified intellect, public service, and moral conviction, notably his stand against Partition's division and his sacrifice for Jammu and Kashmir's integration. His contributions to education, industry, and democratic values, including his critique of early constitutional amendments, are remembered as foun

Mbappe stutter-stepped on his way to his 19th goal in 19 World Cup appearances, beating Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the 70th minute to break a scoreless tie. France's captain was awarded the penalty when Diego Gomez was called for tripping after a video review.

Allegations of mishandling pilgrim offerings at Badrinath Dham have prompted the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee to form a four-member panel for an impartial investigation. The probe was initiated after social media buzz surrounding the claims.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a probe and conducted raids following the withdrawal of two books accused of promoting separatism. An FIR has been registered under stringent laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This action follows the suspension of eight education department employees and a ban on the authors and publishers of the controversial texts, highlighting the government's swift response to the matter.

Ladakh's Pashmina sector is set for a significant boost following Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena's approval of two key initiatives. A 25% incentive for herders aims to enhance production of the prized fibre, while an 8 crore revolving fund will support the cooperative marketing society. These measures are designed to benefit nomadic communities, improve Pashmina quality, and prevent distress sales, fostering sustainable development.

BJP President Nitin Nabin's Uttar Pradesh visit signals a strong push for unity and inclusive politics ahead of next year's assembly elections. Emphasizing grassroots work and collaboration, Nabin highlighted the state's transformation under Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath.

A crucial meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to address alleged donation irregularities, potentially deciding the fate of key officials. Discussions are expected to cover the temple's future management, financial reports, and a preliminary SIT probe. The potential resignations could lead to a trust reconstitution and the appointment of a CEO for smoother operations.

A look at Union government reshuffles since 2014 reveals a pattern: core strategic ministries like Home, Finance, Defence, and External Affairs remain stable, while public-facing roles, particularly Information & Broadcasting, see frequent changes. This trend highlights a deliberate approach to ministerial assignments, with some portfolios experiencing multiple ministers over the past decade, suggesting a focus on continuity in key areas and flexibility in others.

Farage is already under investigation by the standards watchdog over whether he should have declared a 5 million ($6.7 million) donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire he received before entering parliament. The Sunday Times reported that Farage was provided with security services, social media support and accommodation by George Cottrell, a long-standing ally, in the year before Farage was elected an MP in 2024.

Uber no longer plans to launch food delivery in five of the seven countries it had targeted for expansion this year, including Austria, Norway and Greece, the report said. It did not identify the other two countries. Earlier in the year, Uber said it planned to expand its food delivery business into seven new European markets - Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Greece and Romania.

Foreign investors are receiving unexpected tax notices in India, even for transactions where no profit or dividend was earned. The tax department is initiating reassessment proceedings, questioning the absence of income tax returns for share purchases. Experts highlight that such notices, potentially triggered by remittance data, may be misapplied to transactions that didn't generate income, causing confusion and compliance burdens for overseas entities.

Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in joint US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, where its troops now occupy swathes of territory near the border.

Brazil vs Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming; Brazil faces a stern test against Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, despite a mixed start to their campaign. Ancelotti's side narrowly advanced past Japan and now confront a historically challenging opponent, having never beaten Norway in four previous encounters. This crucial match kicks off on July 5th at New York New Jersey Stadium. Indian viewers can catch the action on Unite8 Sports and Zee5.

Psychology suggests that people who jump at loud noises aren't simply being dramatic. For others, it's a signal the brain immediately investigates, long before conscious thinking begins.

Mumbai braces for continued heavy downpours as an 'orange alert' remains in effect. While government and private offices will operate on July 6, educational institutions are closed for student safety. The city experienced significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, impacting air traffic with flight cancellations and diversions due to adverse weather and strong winds.

Ram Mandir's treasurer, Govind Dev Giri, has asserted that all audit reports are secure and denied involvement in daily donation collection, attributing oversight to local trustees. He expressed deep hurt over the theft incidents, urging impartial investigation to bring culprits to justice. Giri emphasized his commitment to truth and transparency, calling for foolproof future arrangements in donation management.

A common assumption is that people who can sleep through loud noises automatically have better or healthier sleep. Psychology and sleep research do not support such a broad conclusion. While some heavy sleepers do enjoy restorative sleep, others may still experience poor sleep quality even if they rarely wake up during the night.

Iran's top officials appeared at funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling defiance amid calls for revenge after an attack that triggered a war. Crowds chanted Death to America and Death to Israel, with some hard-liners targeting President Trump. Negotiations with the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program are on hold until the multi-day funeral concludes, highlighting Iran's resolve.

Psychology suggests that people who frequently get into fights aren't always motivated by aggression alone. The encouraging news is that these patterns are not fixed.

India's sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, proudly sailed into New York on July 4th, joining a grand international naval event celebrating America's 250th independence anniversary. The vessel's presence highlights the strong and growing maritime partnership between India and the United States. This significant port call is part of INS Sudarshini's extensive Lokayan 2026 expedition, reinforcing global maritime cooperation and India's rich seafaring heritage.

Mumbai schools and colleges are closed Monday due to an orange alert for heavy rain and gusty winds. The city experienced over 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, leading to waterlogged streets and tragic treefall incidents. Airport operations were temporarily suspended, causing flight delays and diversions. Citizens are urged to stay indoors unless necessary.

Quote of the day by Miley Cyrus reminds us that many people face struggles that others cannot see, while their mistakes are often noticed quickly. The quote encourages empathy, self-worth, emotional strength and personal growth. It also explains why people should value their own feelings instead of depending on public approval and learn from mistakes instead of fearing judgment.

Assam's cabinet has greenlit several key initiatives, including modernizing mineral governance with new charges for sand and stone, and launching a unified 112 emergency response system. Land has been leased to AMUL for a milk chilling center, and several amendment bills, covering tourism, businesses, MSMEs, and land revenue, are set for assembly introduction. Foreign travel restrictions for officials have also been partially lifted.

INS Sanshodhak, the Indian Navy's fourth Survey Vessel Large, has arrived in Kochi, its new home port. Commissioned in Kolkata by Prime Minister Modi, this indigenously built ship boasts advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems. Beyond its primary survey role, Sanshodhak can support disaster relief and function as a hospital ship, significantly boosting India's maritime capabilities and strategic reach.

Psychology suggests that people who enjoy hiking alone aren't necessarily avoiding others. For many people, the greatest reward of a solo hike isn't reaching the summit, it's returning with a calmer and clearer mind.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held productive discussions with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties across energy, trade, investments, connectivity, and security. The meeting also touched upon regional dynamics, including the West Asia conflict. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the safety of the Indian community in Qatar. This visit is part of a broader tour aimed at enhancing India's engagement with key Gulf nations.

Raul Jimenez arrives with a psychological edge over England's Jordan Pickford, having scored six career Premier League goals against him. Mexico, boasting a formidable home record at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca, presents a stern test for England in the Round of 16. The Three Lions face a near-flawless Mexican side that hasn't conceded a goal, making this a significant challenge for a quarterfinal spot.

Indonesia seeks deeper defence ties with India, prioritizing technology transfer and co-production over simple procurement. Jakarta views India as a crucial partner in shaping the Indo-Pacific, beyond just ASEAN. This collaboration, spanning naval exercises to joint capability development, is set to expand, with potential for significant advancements during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit.

Psychology suggests that people who are scared of dogs aren't simply overreacting or being unfriendly. A common misconception is that people who are afraid of dogs simply dislike animals. Psychology does not support such a broad conclusion.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed opposition claims of widespread voter enrollment irregularities during the ongoing special intensive revision. He stated the BJP and JDS are merely blaming the government, as is their habit. Shivakumar defended the process, urging citizens to retain their voting power. The Congress also plans legal protests against the Election Commission of India over its own concerns regarding voter deletions.

Psychology says people who are extremely brand conscious aren't always motivated by status or showing off. Psychology explains that buying branded products can be connected to identity, belonging, self-expression, confidence, and emotional needs. Consumer psychology, social identity theory, and self-concept research help explain why people value brands. Understanding this behavior can help people make thoughtful choices instead of judging others based only on their shopping habits.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar faces pressure from trade unions to uphold the state's revised minimum wage structure. Private employers have raised concerns, prompting a potential review. Unions argue the implemented wages, finalized after an eight-year delay, should remain unchanged, benefiting over a crore families by boosting incomes and purchasing power.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP and RSS of a Rs 20,000 crore loot linked to Ayodhya Ram Temple donations. He further alleged the ruling party is attempting vote chori through electoral roll revisions and delimitation to retain power, undermining democratic institutions. Kharge urged vigilance to protect the Constitution and social justice.

A University of Texas Medical Branch nurse faced termination after a viral video showed her reacting negatively to Fox News in a patient's room. The incident ignited a fierce online debate on healthcare professionalism, political bias, and patient trust. UTMB investigated the matter, leading to the nurse's contract being terminated.

Eight individuals, including a teacher and a former mechanic, have been arrested in Ayodhya for allegedly embezzling donations meant for the Ram temple. Police sources claim contract workers exploited their roles in the donation management system, siphoning off cash, foreign currency, and jewellery. Investigators are scrutinizing financial transactions and assets, with significant cash recoveries reported from several accused.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has demanded the cancellation and re-conduct of the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (H-TET) for Post Graduate Teachers, citing large-scale irregularities. Allegations include paper leaks, broken seals on question paper packets, mismatched OMR sheets, and numerous printing errors. Surjewala highlighted issues at various examination centers, questioning the integrity of the entire process and urging action against those responsible.

A common misconception is that children who constantly ask questions are simply being annoying or trying to challenge adults. Psychology does not support that conclusion. For many children, frequent questioning is a natural expression of curiosity, learning, and their desire to make sense of the world around them.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has urged Union Ministers to expedite the appointment of SBICAPS as a consultant for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase 1 valuation and Phase 2 report. A decision made on June 24th to appoint SBICAPS for takeover facilitation and financial examination of Phase 1, along with Phase 2 financing, remains unfulfilled. The delay is causing operational uncertainty and impacting Phase 2's progress and costs.