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The Economic Times

National / The Economic Times

CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke begins indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk taken to hospital

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to hospital, urging supporters to intensify the protest and join the July 20 march.

18 Jul 2026 9:51 am
Shashi Tharoor lauds Kerala Fire & Rescue Services for 'highly commendable' job after being rescued from stuck lift

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was rescued from a stuck elevator in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Service personnel arrived promptly and used equipment to open the doors. Tharoor expressed appreciation for the speed and efficiency of the rescue operation. The incident caused a delay in his scheduled appointments and meetings. He later attended the Rotary Club event and honored the rescue team.

18 Jul 2026 9:49 am
PV Sindhu enters Japan Open final

PV Sindhu reached her first final in over two years at the Japan Open after Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei retired injured during their women's singles semifinal with the Indian leading 21-19, 15-10.

18 Jul 2026 9:48 am
Pawan Kumar Chandana: Meet India's Elon Musk, the Skyroot CEO who once scored 50 in maths and is now sending Vikram-1 into space

Pawan Kumar Chandana: Skyroot Aerospace CEO and co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana, a child who was once bad at maths, is now the head of this ambitious space company. If Skyroot is successful, it will be in a very small club of private space companies in the world. The launch is a big milestone for Indias private space sector and will keep entrepreneurs like Pawan in the league of Elon Musk and others.

18 Jul 2026 9:33 am
CJP activists allege 'Wangchuk dragged by Police forcibly'; Police say they complied with court orders

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to a hospital from his protest site. Protestors alleged police forcefully removed him despite his deteriorating health. Delhi Police stated Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital as per court orders. This action followed a 20-day hunger strike by the activist. Protestors were asked to peacefully vacate the Jantar Mantar site.

18 Jul 2026 9:01 am
India's first pvt rocket to place tech payloads, postcard from PM Modi into orbit

India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, will launch Saturday into low earth orbit. The rocket will deploy multiple technology demonstration payloads, both domestic and foreign. It will also carry a micro-art payload and a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This launch marks the private space sector's entry into the orbital launch market. Engineering data from this test flight will guide future commercial satellite missions.

18 Jul 2026 9:00 am
Sonam Wangchuk conscious, vitals stable after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike. Delhi Police removed protesters from Jantar Mantar following court orders and medical advice. Wangchuk's health had deteriorated, prompting the hospital transfer for essential medical care. Protesters alleged plainclothes police posed as a medical team to take Wangchuk away. The activist was on hunger strike demanding action on examination irregularities and paper leaks.

18 Jul 2026 8:56 am
Security tightened around Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk shifted to hospital

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. Security was heightened around Jantar Mantar and New Delhi following the incident. Police stated the hospitalization followed a High Court order and medical advice. Some protesters caused a brief commotion while obstructing the hospital transfer. Authorities requested protesters to peacefully vacate the Jantar Mantar site.

18 Jul 2026 8:39 am
FIFA World Cup: Frustrations abound as France, England face off in third-place match

France and England will compete for third place in the World Cup. Both teams expressed disappointment after losing their semifinal matches. Coach Didier Deschamps will conclude his tenure with France after this game. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are contenders for the Golden Boot award. This match represents a final World Cup appearance for some veteran players.

18 Jul 2026 8:33 am
The economic goal that never came: World Cup falls short of boosting Mexico

The recent World Cup brought excitement but did not significantly boost Mexico's economy. Weak investment and trade agreement uncertainty continue to weigh on economic growth. Official tourism targets for the tournament were not met by the country. Some host cities experienced uneven economic benefits from the event. Trade certainty under the USMCA remains the main driver for the Mexican economy.

18 Jul 2026 7:50 am
Sonam Wangchuk taken to hospital after 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar

Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized by Delhi Police after a 20-day hunger strike. He protested alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demanded accountability. Doctors noted significant weight loss, raising health concerns for the activist. The Delhi High Court had ordered regular monitoring of his critical condition. Wangchuk urged supporters to march to Parliament to ensure their concerns were addressed.

18 Jul 2026 7:43 am
Andhra Pradesh Weather Today July 18: Will it rain in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and other cities

Andhra Rain Alert Today: Andhra Pradesh faces scattered showers and humid heat this week. Vijayawada expects rain chances to rise significantly by Monday. Visakhapatnam's wettest day is forecast for Sunday with higher probabilities. Rayalaseema region remains drier and hotter with limited rainfall chances. The state's monsoon season shows a substantial rainfall deficit so far.

18 Jul 2026 7:42 am
Army opens fire after observing suspicious movement along LoC in J-K's Rajouri

Army troops fired on suspicious movement along the Line of Control in Rajouri district. This small arms firing occurred near Tarkundi forward area late Friday night. The troops observed suspected terrorists prompting the initial exchange of fire. Retaliatory firing was also reported from across the border during the incident. A search operation was launched Saturday morning to confirm infiltrator presence.

18 Jul 2026 7:29 am
Trump back in World Cup spotlight after starring role in tournament's controversies

President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final and present the trophy. He previously asked FIFA to review a controversial red card incident. Trump and FIFA President Infantino praised each other at a New York reception. The United States is considering a solo bid for the 2038 World Cup. Trump's presence at the event is expected to draw mixed reactions.

18 Jul 2026 6:47 am
A 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border with no immediate damage reported

A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Mexico's southern Pacific coast near Guatemala on Friday. The tremor was felt widely across Mexico City and El Salvador, causing some alarm. Authorities reported two minor injuries in southern Mexico and no significant damage in any country. Guatemalan residents evacuated buildings as the quake lasted for an extended period. Tsunami risk was monitored along coastal areas after the seismic event.

18 Jul 2026 6:33 am
US CENTCOM confirms destruction of Chabahar Port surveillance tower in Iran

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday (local time) that it had successfully destroyed a surveillance tower at Iran's Shahid Kalantari Port in Chabahar, claiming the facility was part of a maritime surveillance network operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to monitor commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, particularly along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

18 Jul 2026 6:27 am
It's a revamp! RBI steps ahead on plan for plastic rupee notes

India's currency printing authority is now on the lookout for international suppliers of polymer banknote material, signaling a significant change from nearly a century of using paper notes. Bidders must adhere to strict security protocols and provide evidence of past collaborations with central banks. The Reserve Bank of India is considering polymer notes due to their durability, coinciding with a recent drop in currency printing costs.

18 Jul 2026 6:00 am
Phrase of the day by Kris Jenner, 'Anything I Ever Wanted, I Had to Work Really Hard For. I Learned the Value of Saving My Money, Trying to Make Something Happen, and Being Entrepreneurial, Even as a Really Young Girl' - today's quote reveals psychology of hard-working people, offers life lesson on savings, how to achieve success, career goals

Phrase of the day by Kris Jenner offers practical wisdom for anyone pursuing meaningful goals. Hard work builds character, saving creates opportunity, and an entrepreneurial mindset encourages creativity and resilience. Together, these qualities empower individuals to transform ambitions into lasting accomplishments. Success may not happen overnight, but with discipline, financial responsibility, continuous learning, and the courage to take initiative, people can build futures defined not by luc

18 Jul 2026 5:53 am
Gold price prediction: Why is Gold rate crashing to biggest weekly loss? Check latest projections for August

Gold price has fallen about 25 per cent since the U.S.-backed war with Iran began in late February, pressured by expectations that war-driven inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer.

18 Jul 2026 5:36 am
FIFA final gives weekend spending a perfect assist

Indian restaurants and pubs anticipate a significant spending surge this weekend. Advance bookings for venues have more than doubled, prompting extended operating hours. Television manufacturers report a substantial increase in large-screen TV demand. Brands are offering special promotions and meal combos to capitalize on the event. Businesses expect a considerable boost in sales during the final match.

18 Jul 2026 5:30 am
Why did Pirates wear eye patches? Are they blind? Unique history behind one of the world's most famous pirate myths

Most pirates were probably not blind in one eye, and eye patches were likely far less common than popular culture suggests. Yet the combination of real maritime dangers, scientific possibility, and centuries of storytelling has ensured that the pirate eye patch remains one of history's most enduring and fascinating myths.

18 Jul 2026 5:04 am
Phrase of the Day: Hit Rock Bottom'- Why do so many people relate to it? The powerful phrase that reminds us every comeback starts somewhere

Phrase of the Day: The phrase 'hit rock bottom' describes reaching life's lowest or most difficult point. This expression originates from mining and drilling, signifying a point of no return. It is used for serious setbacks, not minor daily disappointments or inconveniences. Many people find resilience and growth after experiencing such challenging moments. This phrase highlights the human belief that difficult times can initiate a fresh start.

18 Jul 2026 2:42 am
Why cold leftover pasta may be better for your gut than freshly cooked pasta

Cooling cooked pasta transforms its starch into beneficial resistant starch. This fiber supports improved gut health and better blood sugar management. Resistant starch also aids in controlling appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. Even reheating the chilled pasta preserves these valuable nutritional advantages. Storing and handling leftovers properly makes them a surprisingly nutritious option.

18 Jul 2026 2:41 am
Summer is quietly changing your body, and your fingernails prove it

Warmer weather may slightly increase nail growth due to better blood circulation. However, a physician's decades-long study found no measurable climate effect on his nails. Factors like age, genetics, and nutrition significantly influence nail growth rates. Illnesses and injuries also impact how quickly nails grow and recover. Overall, everyday influences have a more substantial effect than seasonal temperature changes.

18 Jul 2026 2:04 am
Psychology says people who never finish their food completely and leave something or the other in their plate aren't careless: What this habit may reveal?

Psychology says people who never finish their food completely and leave something or the other in their plate aren't always showing disrespect for food. Psychology suggests that this behavior can be linked to eating habits, self-control, cultural upbringing, appetite regulation, social settings, and personal routines. Experts say there is no single explanation because different people leave food on their plates for different reasons, depending on circumstances and individual behavior.

18 Jul 2026 1:52 am
Quote of the Day by Antonio Banderas: I think the worst enemy for success is Inspiring lessons on success, patience, determination ,focus, confidence and why you should trust the process by the Spanish actor known for his deep insights on personal growth and achieving lasting success

Quote of the Day by Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderas quote, I think the worst enemy for success is the anxiousness to get it, highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and trusting the journey toward achieving goals. The quote suggests that constantly worrying about reaching success too quickly can create unnecessary stress, cloud judgment, and prevent people from enjoying the learning process. Instead of chasing immediate results, it encourages focusing on steady effort, continuous

18 Jul 2026 1:03 am
Quote of the Day by Julius Caesar It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.

Julius Caesar's ancient quote remains relevant for modern challenges and personal growth. He noted that enduring pain with patience requires more courage than a single heroic act. This wisdom applies to education, business, and overcoming personal difficulties. Caesar, a Roman leader, transformed the Republic into an empire through military and political actions. His enduring message emphasizes resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

18 Jul 2026 1:02 am
Macros strong, but weak rains, war can hit growth: RBI Guv Sanjay Malhotra

The Indian economy expanded 7.7% in the last financial year, and the RBI has projected GDP growth of 6.6% for the current fiscal year despite global uncertainties, Sanjay Malhotra said. The governor also flagged inflation risks, noting that the RBI had raised its inflation forecast for FY27 to 5.1% from 4.6% earlier.

18 Jul 2026 1:02 am
Quote of the Day by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai: It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is... Inspiring life lessons on how small everyday actions can transform communities, protect nature, build hope, and create lasting change for future generations

Quote of the Day by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai and her timeless message on everyday leadership. Her famous words remind us that lasting change begins with one simple action, not one powerful person. Wangari Maathai was one of the most influential environmental leaders of the modern era. She transformed the simple act of planting a tree into a global movement for environmental conservation, women's empowerment, democracy, and peace.

18 Jul 2026 1:01 am
Centre moves SC against Delhi High Court order quashing passport, visa tender

The Central government has petitioned the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court ruling. The High Court had previously quashed tenders for consular services at Indian Missions abroad. This decision followed petitions from two disqualified bidders alleging unfair evaluation processes. The government argues the High Court's decision was incorrect and seeks its reversal. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Monday.

18 Jul 2026 12:55 am
PM Modi slams AAP over drugs, corruption; says only BJP can transform Punjab

Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the AAP government of corruption, worsening law and order, and failing to curb the drug menace. Addressing a rally in Jalandhar, he also attacked the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress, asserting that only the BJP could transform the state.

18 Jul 2026 12:55 am
FIFA World Cup beer sales are hopping. Brewers hope the stout demand outlasts the tournament

In the U.S., beer consumption has fallen steadily for a decade, according to the Brewers Association, a trade group for craft brewers. Canada has seen a similar decline, according to the national statistics agency. The Brewers of Europe trade association says the story is the same in the European Union.

18 Jul 2026 12:53 am
De Beers sale: Anglo American picks preferred bidder for company

Anglo American has chosen a consortium led by Gareth Penny as the preferred bidder. This group, known as Global Diamond Consortium, emerged from three competing proposals. Botswana's government is evaluating the preferred bidder's proposal for De Beers. The proposal includes participation from Angola and Namibia as partners. Botswana retains freedom to act as a partner or exercise preemption rights.

18 Jul 2026 12:50 am
Psychology says people who believe they're smarter than others aren't always narcissists, they may be filled with confidence

While narcissism can sometimes involve exaggerated beliefs about intelligence, simply believing you're highly intelligent is not enough to justify that label. Research consistently suggests that genuine expertise often goes hand in hand with curiosity, openness to learning, and intellectual humility.

18 Jul 2026 12:35 am
PIL challenges delay in womens quota Act, seeks rollout before 2029 elections

The Supreme Court has sought the Centres response on a PIL seeking implementation of the Womens Reservation Act before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections without waiting for a fresh delimitation exercise.

18 Jul 2026 12:35 am
DMK rethinks delimitation stance, says it will study Bill before taking a call

When the delimitation bill is introduced in Parliament, the DMK intends to delve into its details carefully. Emphasizing Tamil Nadu's welfare, the party's position stems from notable political realignments. As per an insider, the decision will be influenced by the bill's intended outcomes. During a recent meeting, DMK MPs agreed to safeguard the parliamentary strength of Tamil Nadu.

18 Jul 2026 12:32 am
PM-CM Removal Bill draft put on hold after NDA MPs oppose key proposals

The draft report on the PM-CM Removal Bill has been postponed by a parliamentary panel after ruling NDA MPs expressed their opposition to significant provisions. The committee felt that additional stakeholder consultations are essential for achieving extensive support. Consequently, opposition members chose to withdraw their dissent notes, indicating that the Bill is not likely to be discussed in the upcoming Monsoon session.

18 Jul 2026 12:29 am
EPFO launches VISHWAS 2026 to settle employer penalty disputes

The EPFO has launched VISHWAS 2026, a six-month, one-time dispute resolution scheme to help employers settle pending damages and penalty cases under provident fund laws. The initiative offers substantially reduced penalty rates for eligible defaults before June 14, 2024, through a fully digital, transparent and time-bound process.

18 Jul 2026 12:29 am
World Cup destiny: Messi bathed Yamal as a baby, now they face off for soccer's top title

Photographer Joan Monfort's images of Lionel Messi bathing Lamine Yamal have gained global attention. These pictures were taken nearly two decades ago for a charity calendar. The resurfaced photos now highlight a remarkable twist of fate for the upcoming World Cup final. Messi's Argentina will face Yamal's Spain for the sport's biggest trophy. This unexpected connection has captivated fans and media worldwide.

18 Jul 2026 12:28 am