The Economic Times

A Southern California events producer, Lauren Tetef, transformed a layoff into an opportunity, investing her savings to launch the Open House Creative Fest. This vibrant two-day event, held in a former craft store, celebrates local artisans and hands-on creativity. With free entry to the market and paid workshops, the festival aims to foster community connection and inspire attendees to create.

Eetha Real Story: A new film, 'Eetha,' starring Shraddha Kapoor, revives interest in the legendary Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the 'Empress of Tamasha.' Her life was a testament to resilience, marked by a famous childbirth incident during a performance and unwavering dedication to folk art, even over film opportunities. Despite facing financial struggles later in life, her legacy endures through an award in her name, celebrating her profound impact on Maharashtra's cultural heritage.

A chilling murder plot unfolded as a realtor's fiance and her alleged lover are accused of orchestrating his death after months of extensive communication. Investigators revealed multiple failed attempts, including a Bali trip sabotage and a near-fatal fall at Lohagad Fort, before the fatal push. A suspicious hoodie worn by the alleged lover in CCTV footage proved a key clue in cracking the conspiracy.

Venezuela's interim leader declared a state of emergency Wednesday as two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble and forced the closure of the country's main airport. We went out through the emergency stairs; that's how they got us out, the 42-year-old told AFP. Dozens more in the capital exited buildings and waited outside before returning to their offices and homes.

Millions globally embrace hair colouring, transforming their look for diverse reasons. From masking grey strands to embracing bold self-expression and following fleeting fashion trends, changing hair colour offers a psychological boost and a sense of renewal. This ancient practice has evolved into a powerful tool for identity, allowing individuals to reinvent themselves and stay current with evolving beauty standards.

Venezuela earthquake: The United States is mobilizing crucial assistance for Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that toppled buildings and trapped people. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed contact with Venezuelan authorities, while a disaster assistance team and task force are being deployed with search and rescue, medical, and humanitarian supplies. All U.S. personnel in Caracas are reported safe amidst these efforts.

A French court will rule Thursday on whether oil and gas giant TotalEnergies breached its legal duty to address environmental risks in a high-stakes climate case brought by NGOs and the city of Paris. But the four NGOs that took TotalEnergies to court say the law's reference to prevention of environmental risks encompasses both local pollution and climate change.

England stumbled to a goalless draw against Ghana, while Croatia kept their knockout dreams alive with a crucial 1-0 win over Panama. Colombia secured their Round of 32 spot with a victory over DR Congo. Elsewhere, Switzerland topped their group, Bosnia and Herzegovina reignited their hopes, Morocco advanced, and Brazil dominated Scotland to lead their group.

Earthquake in Venezuela: Venezuela was jolted by two powerful earthquakes, a 7.2 magnitude followed by a 7.5 magnitude just 39 seconds later, causing building collapses and road damage. Viral videos show panicked residents fleeing structures and streets cracking open. Tsunami alerts were issued across the Caribbean. These tremors are among the strongest to hit the nation in over a century, prompting widespread emergency response.

The Southwest Monsoon is making significant progress across India, reaching more areas of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. While heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for the West Coast and Northeast, heatwave conditions persist in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected in several states, with fishermen advised to stay ashore.

Gold rate fell below the key $4,000-per-ounce level for the first time since November 2025 and Gold prices are set for extending losses on Thursday, hovering near the more-than-seven-month low.

India's crucial monsoon rains are delayed, disrupting the nation's $300 billion farm economy just as planting season begins. This agricultural setback, exacerbated by a developing El Nio, threatens staple crops like rice, cotton, and soybeans, impacting prices and potentially fueling inflation. While India's food system shows resilience, worsening climate conditions pose a growing challenge to this vital agricultural lifeline.

Americans have a limited window to claim up to $3,500 from a $2 million settlement with Alera Group Inc. The insurance firm faced accusations of inadequate data protection, leading to a breach in August 2024 that exposed sensitive personal information. To receive the maximum payout, individuals must provide documented proof of financial losses. The claim deadline is June 29.

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted northern Japan, shaking homes and disrupting bullet train services. While felt as far as Tokyo, authorities reported no casualties or tsunami threats. The quake, striking off Iwate prefecture, registered a strong intensity in Aomori. Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity, a reminder of past devastating quakes.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's lawyers are pushing a U.S. judge to officially drop criminal charges after the Justice Department announced it would no longer pursue the case. Adani had been accused of bribery and misleading U.S. investors. The defense argues the charges were outside U.S. jurisdiction and unprovable. Separately, Adani's companies have settled civil charges with the SEC and Treasury over sanctions violations.

The White House has formally requested $87.6 billion, primarily to replenish the Pentagon following the U.S. war against Iran. This comes amid significant political opposition to further military action. The supplemental spending request also includes substantial funds for American farmers, the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and infrastructure projects in Washington D.C., alongside other policy proposals.

Powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela, causing damage in the capital, Caracas, and prompting dire warnings from scientists about potential widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Residents fled shaking buildings, with some collapsing. While a tsunami threat was briefly issued, it was later withdrawn. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the devastation.

India's central bank has redefined systemically important NBFCs, setting a new asset threshold of 1 lakh crore for upper-layer companies. This move, rejecting industry calls for a higher cap, could mandate a public listing for entities like Tata Sons. The Reserve Bank of India will annually identify these firms, impacting their regulatory oversight and potentially altering control structures for major business groups.

Ernest Hemingway's profound quote, 'The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places,' offers a powerful perspective on life's inevitable hardships. It highlights that while suffering is universal, it's our response to adversity that truly shapes us. Difficult experiences can forge deeper wisdom, compassion, and an inner strength previously unknown, transforming our wounds into sources of resilience and meaning.

Micron's revenue has surged by over four times, reaching $41.46 billion in its fiscal third quarter, driven by the booming AI sector and a global memory crunch. The company's stock saw a significant jump as soaring demand for memory chips, essential for AI hardware and data centers, propelled exceptional financial results. Micron anticipates continued strong performance, with future revenue projections also exceeding expectations.

Best Proverb of the Day: A timeless proverb urges us not to withhold good when we have the ability to help, emphasizing that kindness is a reflection of character and a vital community builder. Even small acts of support can profoundly impact lives, especially during hardship. In our fast-paced world, this message of empathy and action remains crucial, reminding us that generosity, not just grand gestures, creates a better world for all.

Investigators are zeroing in on an anonymous tipster linked to ransom messages in the Nancy Guthrie case. Despite using male aliases, authorities now suspect the source might be a woman. This development adds a new layer to the ongoing mystery, with investigators hoping human sources, rather than just forensic evidence, will ultimately crack the case. Savannah Guthrie continues to plead for public assistance.

Quote of the day by J. D. Salinger: J.D. Salinger believed books offer more than entertainment; they forge emotional bonds. He cherished stories that felt like conversing with a close friend, highlighting humor's role in connection. This profound connection, where readers feel understood by the author, is a rare but powerful literary achievement.

People who order takeout several times a week aren't always avoiding cooking. Psychology suggests this habit can be linked to time management, decision fatigue, stress, convenience, and changing lifestyles. Ordering food may help people save mental energy, manage busy schedules, or seek comfort after long workdays. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps explain why many people choose takeout without it reflecting their motivation or personal discipline.

Despite mandatory auditor rotation, India's largest audit firms are consolidating their dominance, auditing 66% of Nifty 500 companies. Grant Thornton and BDO are gaining ground, fueled by Big Four conflicts. While companies rotate auditors, they largely select from a small pool of established firms. Rising auditor resignations and increasing audit fees are also noted trends.

Idiom of the Day: Ever felt the need to address an issue with someone? The idiom one to pick perfectly captures this common human experience, signifying a grievance or unresolved matter requiring discussion. Originating from the image of meticulously picking meat from a bone, it highlights the importance of open communication. This phrase reminds us that confronting issues, even uncomfortable ones, is vital for strengthening relationships and fostering understanding, rather than letting resentm

Best Chinese proverb of the day: Experiencing both prosperity and hardship cultivates a deeper understanding of life's impermanence and builds resilient character. This proverb highlights how difficult experiences, rather than just comfort, shape invaluable insight and make individuals uniquely qualified to guide others through life's unpredictable journey.

Inspirational proverb of the day highlights the meaning of He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg. The Chinese saying reflects how overthinking, hesitation, and excessive caution can sometimes prevent people from moving forward in life. It suggests that constant analysis of every possible outcome may lead to delay, causing missed opportunities for growth and progress.

Economists are split on how a weak monsoon will affect food prices, with some believing falling oil prices will offset any hikes. Others warn of El Nino's impact on sowing and food costs. The Reserve Bank of India is unlikely to raise interest rates soon, preferring to wait for clarity on the monsoon's agricultural and inflation effects.

A significant fire at a New Delhi data centre, a joint venture between ST Telemedia and Tata Communications, has caused extensive damage, complicating data recovery efforts. One affected client, Matrix Cellular, reports losing two decades of crucial data. The incident also appears linked to recent intermittent Google Cloud network issues in India, leaving server rooms in ruins.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that an interest rate hike is premature, as inflation hasn't broadly impacted consumer prices. The central bank remains in a 'wait-and-watch' mode, closely monitoring global uncertainties and the monsoon's progress. While acknowledging improved outlooks, risks persist, but India is well-prepared for challenges. The RBI has revised inflation forecasts upwards and growth forecasts downwards for the fiscal year.

Authorities are intensifying scrutiny on Rajesh Exports. The Serious Fraud Investigation Office will probe the gold refining giant following allegations of financial irregularities by Sebi. The Enforcement Directorate also recently searched company premises, citing significant deviations from commercial practices and a lack of documentation for foreign transactions. The company denies any wrongdoing, attributing discrepancies to number interpretation.

Psychology says people who drink from oversized reusable water bottles all day aren't simply following a hydration trend. This daily habit can reflect planning, routine, health awareness, and the use of environmental cues to build consistent behaviors. Psychology suggests that keeping a large water bottle nearby can reduce decision-making, encourage regular water intake, and support habit formation. The behavior is less about the bottle and more about the routines people create.

Chinas exports of electric vehicles hit a record $9.2 billion in May, rising nearly 50% year-on-year, as global demand for cleaner transport strengthened amid higher oil prices linked to the Iran conflict.

Best Proverb of the Day: A powerful proverb highlights how one act of kindness can ignite countless others, much like a single candle lighting thousands. This wisdom emphasizes the profound ripple effect of compassion and positivity, proving that even small gestures can profoundly impact lives. In a world often filled with negativity, this message encourages individuals to be the spark that illuminates others, fostering stronger communities through consistent, small acts of light.

Cross-voting in Karnataka MLC polls has highlighted BJP-JDS friction. Despite BJP's support, JDS faced unexpected losses as its own MLAs defected. This incident fuels BJP's focus on Lingayat and OBC votes, while regional strongholds in North Karnataka and Old Mysuru create further alliance strains. The BJP is now re-evaluating its electoral strategy, potentially reshaping the coalition before the 2028 elections.

The 2027 summit in Geneva will centre on the application of international law, fundamental rights and ethical development of AI governance to ensure smaller nations have an active voice in global policy, as Switzerland takes a cue from the Indian focus on global south and vision for 'Technology for All', according to people familiar with the matter.

Paramount Skydances proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery is reportedly moving closer to approval from the European Union, after the company indicated it is willing to address regulatory concerns around film distribution.

India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.6% in 2026-27 due to energy pressures, a weaker monsoon, and global slowdown, S&P Global Ratings reported. Retail inflation is expected to climb to 5.1% this fiscal year. Despite near-term challenges, GDP growth is anticipated to rebound to 7.2% in 2027-28, with oil prices expected to stabilize.

A government panel is set to meet industry leaders on June 30 to explore ways to boost India's Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Discussions will center on the impact of free trade agreements and strategies for import substitution. Key proposals include allowing SEZ units to sell goods domestically at concessional duties and enabling job work for local firms, aiming to enhance SEZ effectiveness and competitiveness.

Switzerland not only hosted the talks between US vice president JD Vance and Iranian negotiators but senior officials in the Swiss foreign ministry were also deeply involved in facilitating an understanding between the two sides in the runup to the meeting on Sunday and Monday, ET has learnt.

Quote of the Day by Ray Bradbury: Some of life's most valuable lessons do not come from success, comfort, or happiness. They come from disappointment, failure, heartbreak, and unexpected setbacks. Ray Bradbury's wisdom reminds us that every experience that deeply affects us has the potential to teach, shape, and strengthen us.

Aber Kawas Senate: Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, has secured a significant Democratic primary win for a New York State Senate seat in Queens. Backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, her progressive platform champions social justice and immigration rights. Kawas' victory, however, has ignited debate due to past remarks concerning 9/11, drawing scrutiny alongside her extensive community organizing background.

Why do some people reply to almost every message with a thumbs-up emoji? Psychology suggests the habit may be linked to cognitive efficiency, digital communication styles, emotional energy conservation and social signaling.

Ants carrying oak galls study: A backyard discovery by an eight-year-old boy has unveiled a surprising interaction between ants, oak trees, and wasps. What appeared to be seeds were actually oak galls, structures created by wasps. Researchers found ants carrying these galls, consuming a fatty cap called 'kapllo,' and leaving the gall behind.