The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of To believe in ones dreams is to spend all of ones life asleep. The saying reflects the difference between simply dreaming about success and taking meaningful action to achieve it. It suggests that while dreams inspire hope and ambition, they have little value unless they are supported by effort, discipline, and perseverance. Rather than discouraging people from dreaming, the proverb encourages them to turn their aspirations into reality throug
How snakes lost their legs: A buried skull in Patagonia, a broken genetic switch, and the ghost legs still hiding inside pythons, scientists are finally closing in on one of evolution's strangest disappearing acts.
Do you still store leftovers in aluminum foil? Doctors and medical experts have warned that this everyday kitchen habit, a practice common in the United States, may increase aluminum exposure, especially when wrapping hot, acidic, salty, or spicy foods. Storing tomato-based dishes, lemon or citrus-based meals, foods containing vinegar, pickles, salty foods must not be done.
Anand Mahindra described the global economy as entering 'Manthan 2.0' with new uncertainties. Mahindra & Mahindra will now move into 'Attack Mode' to seize emerging opportunities. India is gaining relevance globally due to its manufacturing scale and stability. The company achieved historical highs and is innovating significantly. M&M will accelerate through uncertainty with a clear strategy and strong execution.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across India from July 30 to August 1. Active monsoon conditions will bring intense showers and thunderstorms to many regions. Northern and central states, including Delhi, will experience significant rainfall activity. Eastern, northeastern, western, and southern parts of the country are also on alert. Residents should prepare for continued wet weather and potential gusty winds.
Taking the longest to finish a meal may invite lighthearted jokes from friends or family, but psychology suggests it often reflects a combination of behavioral habits and individual differences rather than a specific personality trait. Ultimately, there is no single ight pace for eating. What matters most is developing eating habits that promote good health, allow you to enjoy your food, and encourage meaningful social connections.
Quote of the day by C. S. Lewis offers a powerful reinterpretation of failure. A setback does not automatically move someone backward. If it produces knowledge, resilience, or a better strategy, it can become a marker pointing toward future achievement. The road to success is rarely a straight line. It is more often a series of turns, obstacles, corrections, and discoveries. In the end, success belongs not only to those who achieve their goals quickly but also to those who remain willing to lear
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi made headlines by missing Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha, prioritising a protest over an alleged paper leak in Faridkot. This sheds light on the brewing tensions within the Punjab Congress, as party leaders balance internal disagreements with the pressing need to prepare for next year's elections.
Psychology of older people hiding wealth: Elderly Indians often hide financial details from their children. This secrecy stems from a desire for control and fear of becoming a burden. Past scarcity experiences also shape their cautious approach to money. Parents aim to protect family harmony and their provider identity. Open conversations about health and care can alleviate financial anxieties.
The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on a key legal challenge. This challenge questions the appointment law for election commissioners. The current law excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. Petitioners argue this exclusion undermines the independence of the process. Parties must now file written arguments for the court's consideration.
Tata AIG rejects stolen bike insurance claim over delayed FIR: Tata AIG General Insurance ordered to pay over Rs 2.19 lakh by a Visakhapatnam consumer commission to the owner of a stolen Yamaha MT-15 after ruling that the company's rejection of the claim on grounds of delayed FIR registration was arbitrary and amounted to deficiency in service. The court held that a delay caused by police cannot be used against a genuine claimant.
Quote of the day by Winston Churchill remains powerful because it separates the practical necessity of earning a living from the deeper question of what makes life worthwhile. The possessions people collect may eventually disappear, while the positive influence they have on others can continue through generations. Churchill's quote encourages a simple but profound shift in perspective. Work can provide the means to live, but compassion gives life meaning. Achievement can open doors, but generosi
Ajinkya Rahane has retired from international cricket after a distinguished career. The BCCI acknowledged his significant contributions to Indian cricket, especially overseas. Rahane played many defining innings in difficult foreign conditions for the team. He captained India during a historic series triumph in Australia.
Vedanta appointed Arun Misra as chief executive officer for a one-year term. The company reported a 72% jump in first-quarter profit, reaching 54.73 billion rupees. Higher base metal prices, including zinc and copper, significantly boosted the company's earnings. Vedanta's revenue increased by 51% to 234.56 billion rupees during the quarter. The firm's net profit margins expanded to 22% from 12% a year earlier.
Abhijeet Dipke alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered police action against students. He demanded Shah's resignation over the crackdown during a recent protest. Dipke also criticized the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister. He defended the Jantar Mantar agitation as a constitutional fight for rights. The CJP founder pledged support for ongoing farmers' movements across the nation.
Opposition leaders criticized the government's decision to change the Indian hockey team's jersey color. They expressed concerns that the Army's uniform could be next, accusing the BJP and RSS of imposing saffron. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that the youth's views on such matters are essential. Amar Singh alleged the BJP wants to saffronize everything, warning about the Army's uniform.
An MIT experiment found that aluminium foil hats amplified certain radio frequencies instead of blocking them. Written as satire, the study shows how scientific findings can be misinterpreted. While aluminium can reduce electromagnetic interference in controlled settings, homemade foil hats do not effectively shield against everyday signals.
The Supreme Court permitted Muslim prayers at a dargah near Dhar's Bhojshala complex. The court directed the state government to ensure prayers occur between 1 and 3 pm. This direction allows exploration of mutually agreed alternative prayer sites. Previously, the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The High Court also quashed an ASI order allowing Friday prayers at the disputed site.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee spoke with Priyanka Gandhi outside Parliament. He stated that Mamata Banerjee's 1997 expulsion from Congress caused its decline. Gandhi recalled Rajiv Gandhi's respect for Mamata Banerjee then. Banerjee countered that Congress allied with CPI-M, opposing Mamata Banerjee's stance. He noted Congress's diminished presence and power since 2014.
Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation after the Rajya Sabha approved it. This bill extends statutory protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram. Deliberate insult or disruption of its singing will now be a criminal offense. The amended act penalizes disrespect to national symbols with imprisonment and fines.
Charging your phone in airplane mode is not just a social media tip. Real tests show it does speed up charging, and peer-reviewed research confirms it reduces heat buildup that damages lithium-ion batteries over time. It is a small habit with a genuinely useful payoff for anyone who cares about their phone's long-term battery health.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged a fake degree scam at Savitribai Phule Pune University, demanding a comprehensive forensic audit of university records and certificates. Pawar says the current suspension is only the tip of a larger racket. He also called for a detailed audit of all degrees issued since 2015.
Pellet gun injuries can cause irreversible damage and long-term disability. Experts warn of substantial soft-tissue loss and nerve disruption. Students protesting paper leaks sustained pellet injuries from police action. Injuries to vital organs and major nerves may result in permanent loss. Recovery from eye injuries can continue long after initial surgery.
Thirty-five years after India pledged 67 tonnes of gold to avert a balance of payments crisis, the episode remains one of the defining moments in the country's economic history. The emergency gold airlift bought crucial time for the landmark 1991 economic reforms that transformed India from a licence-permit economy into one of the world's fastest-growing major economies.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk welcomed the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill and urged the government to honour its written assurances. He expressed hope that the legislation would lead to broader reforms in India's education system beyond just examinations. Wangchuk also praised his Vande Bharat train journey from Delhi to Srinagar, describing the experience of crossing the Chenab rail bridge as memorable.
In the India-European Union free trade agreement, a proactive framework for a carbon border adjustment mechanism is established, aimed at providing essential support for Indian exporters, particularly those in the small and medium enterprise sector. This comprehensive agreement lays out a detailed work plan to guide India through the complexities of the EU's carbon tax landscape.
Best Mexican Proverb of the Day: The Mexican proverb highlights that valuable goals demand significant effort and dedication. Achieving exceptional results requires individuals to invest time, energy, and determination. Meaningful accomplishments are rarely attained without commitment and perseverance. Sacrifice and patience are essential components for long-term success and personal growth. This timeless wisdom applies to all life aspects, emphasizing hard work over shortcuts.
Quote of the day by Anne Frank: Anne Frank's diary highlights the power of writing to ease emotional burdens and restore hope. Her words offer comfort, clarity and resilience during life's most challenging and uncertain moments. Today, many psychologists recommend journalling as a healthy way to manage emotions and support mental wellbeing. Anne's courage and unwavering hope for a better future continue to inspire millions around the world.
Kirit Kulhari Loses Rs 2.4 Lakh In Fraud: A night out at the movies turned into a scramble to save her bank account, after actor Kirti Kulhari discovered her credit card had been used from overseas to book flights worth over 2.44 lakh, without her knowledge. This incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime affecting public figures.
Scientists have confirmed that Moken sea nomad children living on the Andaman Sea can see underwater with twice the clarity of other children, constricting their pupils to dolphin-like precision through years of ocean training. But the tribe that produced this extraordinary ability is itself quietly disappearing, pushed off their boats and out of their waters by conservation laws, statelessness, and dying fish stocks.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized opposition parties for glorifying foreign invaders. He stated the BJP government has restored pride through development and honoring Indian heroes. The Chief Minister highlighted projects and schemes benefiting the people of Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed significant improvements in law and order across the state. Ghazipur's legacy of patriotism and military service was also acknowledged.
The Rajya Sabha debated the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026, after its Lok Sabha passage. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the bill as a sham, questioning its effectiveness. Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated the bill reflects constructive suggestions and protects students' futures. Amendments mandate investigations within two months and trials within three months. Penalties for offenders include imprisonment and significant fines for organized rackets.
Mahindra & Mahindra is now acquiring new customers and generating revenue through artificial intelligence. AI helps compress engineering timelines and improve customer service significantly. The company processes sixty-five percent of loan files using its AI platform. AI-led cross-selling initiatives have lowered customer acquisition costs by thirty percent. Shop-floor employees are also using AI to enhance product quality and productivity.
Ajinkya Rahane's retirement marks the end of one of Indian cricket's most understated careers. Despite leading India to a historic 2020-21 Test series victory in Australia, the former vice-captain often remained overshadowed. From his match-winning centuries at Lord's and Melbourne to his calm leadership, Rahane's legacy raises a lasting debatewas the dependable batter under-appreciated despite his immense contributions?
Shell reported a significant profit increase in the second quarter, reaching $9.84 billion. Higher energy prices and market volatility contributed to this strong financial performance. The company's integrated gas and chemicals businesses also saw substantial profit gains. Shell maintained its share buyback program at $3 billion for the next quarter. Despite disruptions, Shell's net debt decreased considerably.
Ukraine's Air Force confirmed another F-16 fighter jet loss after an in-flight emergency. The pilot ejected safely, and an investigation into the incident is underway. This latest crash highlights ongoing challenges for Kyiv's air force amid Russian strikes. Ukraine's air defense remains dependent on international military support and interceptor missiles. Allied partners continue providing aid to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
Ajinkya Rahane Record: Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket today. He captained India six times in Tests and three times in ODIs. Rahane achieved four wins and two draws in Test matches as captain. He also secured three wins in his ODI captaincy appearances. This remarkable undefeated record remains a notable aspect of his career.
The greatest lessons in life often arrive only when we are ready to understand them. This ancient Zen Buddhist proverb explores the importance of openness, personal growth and self-awareness, reminding us that every teacher enters our lives for a reason and leaves when their purpose has been fulfilled.
Murali Sreeshankar's journey to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games is nothing short of inspirational. After sustaining a serious knee injury that nearly ended his career, he rose from the ashes, achieving a remarkable jump of 8.09m. This marks his first international medal in his comeback saga, proving naysayers wrong.
Best Italian proverb of the day: An Italian proverb teaches personal responsibility for one's own troubles. It encourages individuals to accept consequences and learn from mistakes. This timeless wisdom highlights the value of accountability for character development. Recognizing errors creates opportunities for growth and future improvement. The saying remains relevant for decisions made in daily life.
India's education system, according to the Congress party, is riddled with deep-rooted challenges. They assert that the resignation of the education minister is only the first crucial move. Recently, a controversy surrounding engineering entrance exams in Maharashtra has emerged, prompting the party to examine the inconsistencies between exam scores and board grades, urging a necessary evaluation of educational ethics.
Bharatiya Janata Party workers protested outside the Aam Aadmi Party office in Delhi. They demanded accountability for alleged paper leaks in Punjab's recruitment exams. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized the AAP's perceived double standards on exam irregularities. Harsh Malhotra warned of escalating protests if the Punjab Education Minister does not resign. The BJP highlighted previous paper leaks and the government's inaction.
Punjab Bandh What's Open What's Closed: Sanitation workers called a state-wide bandh across Punjab on Thursday. Commercial life halted in several towns as markets and businesses remained closed. Essential services like hospitals and chemists continued their operations without disruption. The shutdown followed a lathi-charge incident in Barnala eight days prior.
Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC MP, is challenging a decision from the Calcutta High Court by appealing to the Supreme Court. The high court had previously rejected his plea to travel abroad for medical treatment, citing ongoing investigations as the reason. Still, it has provided him interim protection from any coercive measures until October 6, with his travel request review set to occur soon.

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