The Economic Times

Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain, replacing Shan Masood, ahead of upcoming series against the West Indies and England. Masood's tenure, marked by 12 losses in 16 matches, faced intense scrutiny following a whitewash by Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the change on Sunday, with Azam set to lead the squad in the challenging tours.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed strong support for Turkiye, stating their successes are intertwined. During a joint press conference in Istanbul, both nations pledged to boost bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, a significant jump from the current USD 1.3 billion. Defence cooperation was highlighted as a key driver for economic ties, with plans to expand collaboration in energy, transportation, and technology.

Investigators uncover a significant financial discrepancy at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with accused individuals showing assets far exceeding their known incomes. Allegations point to daily siphoning of 6-8 lakh from donations. Concerns were reportedly raised months prior, but no FIR was filed initially. CCTV footage and discrepancies in donation deposits are aiding the probe into alleged embezzlement of cash and precious metals.

West Bengal is introducing a strict new law to curb vandalism and maintain public order. Individuals causing damage to property during protests will face penalties three times the value of the destruction. Targeting industrial units will result in severe financial penalties and jail time. This move aims to protect assets and boost investor confidence by ensuring accountability for property damage.

An inquiry has been ordered into allegations of theft of donations at the Badrinath temple following a complaint by a local social organization. The group accused a committee staffer of siphoning off offerings, a claim the temple committee chairman is investigating. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and if irregularities are found, strict action will be taken. The Badrinath and Kedarnath temples have received substantial donations during the ongoing pilgrimage.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan disbursed 25,863 crore as the first installment for the Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana, a successor to MGNREGA. The new scheme guarantees 125 days of employment for rural households, replacing the previous 100-day limit. While lauded for smooth implementation, it faces criticism for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and altering the Centre-State funding ratio.

A proposed 100-bed civil hospital in Indore's Khajrana remains a 'hospital on paper' six years after its announcement. Despite lacking land and a building, 87 staff positions are sanctioned, with nearly 80 employees currently serving at other government facilities. Officials cite the difficulty in finding suitable government land as the reason for the delay, while critics question the recruitment for a non-existent hospital.

A first-year college student has stunned many by earning approximately Rs 4 lakh monthly as a sales intern at a startup, even outperforming experienced professionals. His exceptional sales performance has earned him a fully paid trip to Thailand. This remarkable achievement highlights the company's shift towards hiring based on practical skills and raw talent rather than traditional qualifications, sparking widespread discussion about the evolving Indian startup hiring landscape.

India's aluminium industry is split over import duties. Primary producers, represented by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI), want stricter controls on aluminium scrap imports and quality regulations, arguing that rising imports of allegedly substandard scrap could threaten more than 3 lakh crore of planned investments.

A crucial Uttar Pradesh government panel's madrasa reform recommendations remain overdue, impacting proposed changes to the state's education framework. The six-member committee's report, expected to guide amendments to key acts, has faced multiple extensions. While officials assure it's coming 'very soon,' the delay has caused uncertainty for aided madrasas and their teachers, especially with upcoming assembly elections.

Strikingly similar accounts of alien encounters are often rooted in the brain's ability to generate vivid, real-feeling experiences, especially during sleep paralysis. Psychological research highlights traits like absorption and fantasy proneness, alongside memory's reconstructive nature, contributing to these perceptions. Cultural narratives then shape how these internal events are interpreted.

A diaspora group talks how Indian thinkers and spiritual leaders have influenced American culture. Starting with Swami Vivekanandas message of acceptance in 1893, to B.K.S. Iyengars pivotal yoga movement, their impact stretches across spirituality, health, and advocacy for social justice. Icons like Paramahansa Yogananda and B.R. Ambedkar profoundly shaped communities and spiritual pathways throughout the United States.

BJP leaders met with party president Nitin Nabin to strategize for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, aiming to replicate and surpass their 2017 performance. Discussions with allies focused on strengthening the coalition and organizational base. Key leaders expressed confidence in repeating their victory, citing development and good governance as core messages, while dismissing opposition agendas. The party emphasized worker strength and welfare schemes as crucial for success.

Devotees' annual offerings at Uttarakhand's Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, managed by BKTC, are estimated at Rs 80-85 crore, surpassing budgets of several state departments. This significant sum comes to light amid allegations of theft involving donations at Badrinath Dham. The Temple Committee has launched an inquiry and vowed strict action against any guilty parties, emphasizing their commitment to transparency.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Pennsylvania is under surveillance, with governments and private firms monitoring attendees' faces, movements, and devices. Over $1 billion in security funding fuels advanced tech like facial recognition cameras and AI-powered drones, raising significant privacy concerns. Civil society groups warn of potential human rights breaches, including invasive data collection and profiling, urging caution for international visitors.

Bihar State University Service Commission is recruiting 3,687 contractual Assistant Professors across state universities and degree colleges. Applications are open until July 15, 2026, on the HED Bihar Samarth portal, with no fee. Eligibility requires a Master's degree, NET/SET qualification (or PhD exemption), and age between 21-43. Selection involves academic assessment and an interview. The process concludes with college allotment by August 7, 2026.

Two alleged shooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi-Harry Boxer gang, wanted for the murder of a Hansi gym owner, were killed in a police encounter in Bahadurgarh. The operation, a joint effort by Delhi and Haryana police, saw the suspects open fire on officers. In the ensuing exchange, both were fatally injured. A constable sustained a leg wound during the intense confrontation.

Delhi, Noida, Gurugram rain today: Delhi-NCR residents should brace for increased rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department forecasts active monsoon conditions bringing cloudy skies, intermittent showers, and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph. Rainfall is expected to intensify from July 6 and continue through July 9, with potential for localized disruptions. Stay updated on local forecasts.

US President Donald Trump's upcoming NATO summit visit to Ankara may pave the way for Turkey to acquire crucial fighter jet engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project. While this could boost Turkey's indigenous defense capabilities, analysts believe it won't resolve the long-standing F-35 dispute, which continues to strain US-Turkey relations due to the S-400 missile system.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo highlights India's envelope problem, arguing that talent is overlooked due to a focus on credentials over ability. He shared an example of a self-taught designer from Indore earning significantly, underscoring that potential often lies beyond traditional markers. This discussion emerges as India's creator economy booms, with regional influencers and Gen Z driving substantial growth and shifting career perceptions.

Actress Madhoo reflects on the stark contrast in the film industry for actresses then and now. She highlights that 90s performers like herself were granted time to evolve and improve with each role, receiving second and third chances from audiences. Today's newcomers, however, face immense pressure to be perfect from their debut, with less room for error in a highly competitive landscape.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the Rs 313.30 crore Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) to boost education, healthcare, and welfare for North Bengal's tea garden workers. The scheme allocates Rs 177 crore for education, Rs 72 crore for healthcare, and Rs 63 crore for 321 resting sheds. This initiative aims for comprehensive development and well-being of these workers and their families.

As AI, geopolitical shifts and disruption redefine leadership, The Decisive Decade for Leaders brings together CEOs, CXOs, board members, promoters and business heads for an exclusive masterclass with Dr Ram Charan, offering practical strategies to lead through India's defining decade.

Quote of the day by Immanuel Kant: Two centuries ago, philosopher Immanuel Kant proposed that true peace transcends mere absence of war, advocating for a profound shift in human thinking. He argued that lasting harmony hinges on individuals and nations prioritizing collective well-being over narrow self-interest.

Senior founders, who give up the comforts of India Inc for the chaotic energy of startups, bring to the table instant credibility, networks and industry knowledge that young founders strive for years to build.

Ladakh's Pashmina industry is set for a major boost with new policies approved by the Lieutenant Governor. A 'Livestock Development Incentive Programme' offers a 25% top-up on procurement, directly benefiting nomadic herders. A 8 crore revolving fund will ensure prompt payments, ending distress sales. These reforms aim to double production and strengthen Ladakh's position as a global leader in premium Pashmina.

A wave of resignations is sweeping through the Trinamool Congress, with former Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya stepping down from all party posts. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh criticised the party's leadership and questioned Bhattacharya's silence on the state's financial woes. Bhattacharya cited Mamata Banerjee's accusations regarding Trinamool Bhavan as the reason for her departure, adding to the political turmoil.

Gurugram Municipal Corporation has fired an assistant sanitation inspector for using AI to fake the resolution of a garbage dumping complaint. He allegedly manipulated photos to show a site as clean, despite no work being done. In a separate incident, another official was dismissed for using GPS spoofing to falsify attendance. The corporation vows zero tolerance for such fraudulent practices.

Afghanistan's vital car parts trade in Spin Boldak has ground to a halt, crippled by escalating border conflicts with Pakistan and the recent Middle East war. Disruptions to key shipping routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, have sent import costs soaring and left businesses facing massive losses.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee fiercely criticized the BJP regarding alleged donation irregularities at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, accusing them of tarnishing Lord Ram's name and exploiting devotees. She also highlighted the widespread chaos and lack of solutions surrounding the NEET 2026 exam, which is under scrutiny for alleged paper leaks. Banerjee urged the government to focus on proper administration amidst these controversies.

India is set to embrace a new biofuel initiative, allowing up to 15% isobutanol blending with diesel. This strategic move aims to curb reliance on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Isobutanol, derived from ethanol, offers superior properties over direct ethanol blending, making it a promising substitute for diesel.

A poet at the funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei incited calls for the death of US President Donald Trump before a massive crowd. The funeral, attended by hundreds of thousands, honored Khamenei, who died in an airstrike, and highlighted the theocracy's efforts to leverage its influence amid ongoing war and potential Israeli attacks. The event's significance for the new supreme leader and ongoing negotiations was underscored.

Weather Today and Tomorrow: India braces for intense monsoon activity on July 5-6, with extremely heavy rainfall predicted for western and central regions. Mumbai and surrounding areas are under a red alert. Northern, eastern, and northeastern states will also see widespread showers, while hill states face landslide and flash flood risks. Residents are urged to stay updated and avoid travel during heavy downpours.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the formation of a NITI Aayog-like commission to craft a long-term development vision for the state. This body will monitor schemes, enhance inter-departmental coordination, and offer policy advice. Choudhary stressed the need for effective implementation and tangible outcomes, urging officials to develop district-specific budgets and an online portal for public representatives to track scheme progress. The goal is a 'developed Bihar' by 2037.

US President Donald Trump used America's 250th Independence Day celebration to deliver a sweeping patriotic address, declaring the US stronger, richer and prouder than ever, unveiling a 1776 American flag, defending the Constitution and Second Amendment, attacking communism, and asserting American dominance in space, military strength and global leadership.

Jammu and Kashmir has suspended eight education department employees and ordered an inquiry over the inclusion of two controversial books in schools and libraries under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

The Trump administration is aggressively cutting federal red tape, aiming to eliminate 702 regulations by September. This move, unprecedented in its scale, targets environmental reviews, energy standards, and diversity initiatives, projecting $1.5 trillion in economic savings. A key rollback involves repealing the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, a cornerstone of Obama-Biden climate policies. The administration also plans new rules on immigration and transportation security.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka has voiced concern over a viral video depicting chaotic scenes at a New Jersey Indian grocery store, suggesting such behavior by a few tarnishes the image of Gujaratis and India. He emphasized that while most Gujaratis are exemplary, a minority exhibiting poor civic sense abroad damages perceptions.

Charlie Munger psychology lessons reveal how human behavior, decision-making, and mental models shape life outcomes. His timeless wisdom on success, emotions, incentives, and mistakes helps people understand hidden patterns behind choices. These powerful life lessons from Charlie Munger offer practical insights into better thinking, personal growth, and smarter decisions in todays complex world.

Quote of the Day by Oscar Wilde suggests true fascination lies at the extremes: profound knowledge or unadulterated curiosity. In today's information-saturated world, where appearing knowledgeable often trumps genuine inquiry, Wilde's wit challenges us. He highlights how both deep expertise and humble questioning can illuminate our understanding. urging a re-evaluation of what truly makes individuals captivating.

Biryani, a beloved Indian rice dish, boasts a rich and debated origin. While its roots are traced to Persia, legends suggest its arrival in India via conqueror Timur or Arab traders. Another tale links it to Mumtaz Mahal, seeking a nutritious meal for soldiers. Ultimately, biryani evolved through centuries of Persian influence and Indian culinary creativity, resulting in its many celebrated regional variations today.

Railway job aspirants can now check their exam city for the Ministerial and Isolated Category recruitment. The Railway Recruitment Board released the intimation slip on July 4, 2026, for the 311 vacancies. The written exams are scheduled for July 14 and 15, 2026. This crucial step precedes the Computer Based Tests, skill tests, and subsequent document verification for various positions.

Get ready for the epic conclusion! Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle, the first film in the final trilogy, arrives on OTT platforms on July 28, 2026. Fans worldwide can catch it on Crunchyroll, with Netflix also offering it in select Asian regions. This highly anticipated movie plunges into the dangerous Infinity Castle for a decisive battle against powerful demons.

Opposition parties are gearing up to confront the government in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, slated to begin July 20. Key issues on their agenda include the NEET controversy and escalating inflation. Congress MP Imran Masood expressed the opposition's intent to demand discussions, anticipating the government's reluctance.