The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Shiv Sena's candidate Narendra Darade lost the Nashik MLC polls to independent Gokul Gite, a rebel BJP candidate, causing significant friction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Senior Shiv Sena ministers expressed their intent to address this unexpected defeat, where Gite secured victory despite earlier calls for his withdrawal, with the BJP's Girish Mahajan reportedly close to the winner. The party seeks accountability for the loss.
Goyal said he would be happy if a deal is finalised before July 24, when Washington's temporary 10% tariff on trading partners is due to expire. However, he reiterated that India does not negotiate to deadlines.
Who is Dasha Kilpatrick?: A viral video from a Texas H-E-B store shows Dasha Kilpatrick confronting two Muslim women, making Islamophobic remarks. The incident ignited a fierce online debate, with Kilpatrick identified as a healthcare worker. While facing widespread criticism, she also garnered significant support, including an online fundraiser exceeding $85,000, amid claims of job loss and threats.
Six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's faction have officially joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated the move is lawful and these MPs will contest using the Shiv Sena symbol. He emphasized that this signifies a second phase of party members rejoining them, driven by adherence to Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. One MP cited harassment by a UBT Sena leader as his reason for switching.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat convened a crucial security meeting to bolster counter-insurgency efforts and finalize arrangements for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra. Senior officials from various security forces, including Victor Force, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, participated. The DGP emphasized seamless coordination among agencies to guarantee a secure and uninterrupted pilgrimage for devotees.
Bihar police apprehended over 30 individuals in connection with irregularities during the NEET-UG re-examination. Eighteen exam center staff were detained for biometric violations, while numerous impersonators were caught attempting to take the test for others. This crackdown follows the cancellation of the original exam due to alleged paper leaks, with the re-test held under stringent security measures.
The communication, dated June 16, a copy of which was seen by ET, also mandated each zone to submit a report to the Directorate of Tax Research and Analysis by July 31.
A breakaway faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Bandopadhyay and claiming support from 64 MLAs, has formed a new 30-member national working committee, appointing Arup Roy as chairperson. Bandopadhyay stated decisions will be collective. The group also plans to appoint a special auditor due to concerns over party accounts. Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the move as unconstitutional and a 'comedy show'.
Nancy Guthrie case: A new report sheds light on the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, revealing details of a second ransom note sent after she vanished. This message reportedly contained an apology for her alleged accidental death and offered to return her body for money. Investigators' attempt to track the sender by sending a small Bitcoin amount failed, as the funds remain untouched. The case continues to be a focus for authorities.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's remarks on encouraging progress towards normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, made after meeting LG Manoj Sinha, have drawn criticism from within the party. Spokesperson Pawan Khera suggested Tharoor should engage with a wider spectrum of individuals, including youth and businessmen, before forming an opinion. This incident adds to a pattern of Tharoor's statements causing disquiet among party leadership.
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan emphasized the force's readiness for modern security threats, including cyber attacks and drone technology. He announced new responsibilities, such as becoming a Recognised Security Organisation for ports, bolstering India's Blue Economy. The CISF is also expanding its role in internal security, now managing high-security correctional facilities in Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing its evolving mandate.
A legislative party meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray saw three MLAs and one MLC absent, fueling speculation of a potential split within the UBT Sena. Sources indicate dissatisfaction among MLAs regarding leadership's responsiveness, mirroring concerns previously voiced by defecting MPs. Senior leaders suggest this is a precursor to further developments, questioning the reasons behind the exodus from Thackeray's camp.
Best Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of To ask is a moments shame, but not to ask is a lifetime of shame. The Japanese proverb reflects the importance of curiosity, learning, and the courage to seek knowledge despite temporary embarrassment. It suggests that asking questions may feel uncomfortable for a brief moment, but remaining silent out of fear can lead to long-term ignorance and missed opportunities for growth.
Gujarat grapples with a surge in hit-and-run incidents, claiming 1,090 lives in 2024. These accidents constitute a significant portion of the state's 15,588 road mishaps. Rear-end collisions emerge as the deadliest crash type, responsible for nearly 30% of all fatalities. The alarming statistics highlight a critical road safety challenge demanding urgent attention.
India is set to receive a significant boost to its defence capabilities with a proposed $230 million US sustainment package for its M777 ultra-light howitzers. This deal, announced by the US Ambassador, aims to ensure the Indian Army can maintain these critical artillery systems. The package includes vital spares, technical assistance, and training, reinforcing the growing strategic defence partnership between the two nations and supporting India's national security needs.
Night sky events June 2026: Skygazers, prepare for a celestial spectacle as June concludes! The moon graces the sky alongside bright stars like Spica and Antares. Don't miss the final chance to see Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus together on June 24. Mars also makes a close approach to the Pleiades, a rare event until 2034.
Kunal Shah, CRED founder, is set to lead WhatsApp globally, joining a distinguished line of Indian-origin tech leaders. This appointment highlights the increasing influence of Indian talent in steering major global technology firms. Recent moves include Asha Sharma at Microsoft Gaming and Rahul Patil at Anthropic, building on the legacies of Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Shantanu Narayen, and Arvind Krishna who have transformed tech giants.
A Brooklyn coffee shop, Poetica Coffee, sparked a political firestorm by publicly shaming and refunding Congressman Dan Goldman's order, citing his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The caf's strong condemnation, calling him a 'genocide enabler,' drew sharp criticism for contradicting its own inclusive mission statement. Goldman responded by highlighting the staff's kindness to his daughter, while the caf maintained its anti-genocide stance.
A high-level Israeli defence delegation's visit to India is set to significantly strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral defence and industrial cooperation, including joint planning, training, and advancements in technology like AI and cybersecurity. This collaboration underscores Israel's strategy to broaden its strategic alliances eastward, building on a bond rooted in shared values and mutual trust.
Beneath the Arctics frozen surface lies a hidden carbon reserve of nearly 63 billion tons. As rising temperatures thaw ancient permafrost, scientists warn this vast storehouse could release greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change faster than previously expected.
Jewish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Among those who laugh, do not weep; among those who weep, do not laugh. The saying reflects how human behavior is shaped by emotional awareness, empathy, and sensitivity to the social context we are part of, rather than personal feelings alone. It suggests that people often adjust how they express emotions depending on the mood and experiences of those around them, recognizing when it is appropriate to share joy or sorrow.
Psychology teaches us that everyday habits often reveal hidden emotional needs. The route itself is rarely the real story. The relief it creates is. It is the relief of having one less decision to make and the comfort of knowing exactly what comes next in an unpredictable world.
Hero MotoSports celebrated a decade of global rally raid success in Jaipur, unveiling a new initiative to discover and train India's future Dakar Rally stars. The company also extended its partnership with Dakar organizers, reinforcing its commitment to Indian motorsport. The event highlighted the team's achievements and showcased its dedication to nurturing young talent, including the induction of 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade.
Germany have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a serious ankle injury.
Weather tomorrow: India braces for extreme weather as the IMD forecasts heavy rainfall across 13 states, particularly in eastern and northeastern regions, with potential for waterlogging. Meanwhile, parts of East Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha continue to battle heatwave conditions. Cities like Delhi may see some relief with partly cloudy skies and chances of light rain. Residents are urged to stay updated and take precautions.
West Bengal's new budget introduces 'Bhorsha Kormosuchi,' offering monthly allowances to unemployed youth. Uneducated individuals aged 21-45 will receive Rs 3000, while non-graduates with incomes under one lakh get Rs 2000. The budget also features significant tax relief for salaried individuals, the self-employed, and businesses, alongside substantial investments in sports infrastructure and student welfare initiatives.
Word of Wisdom by Daniel Kahneman: The global understanding of human capability changed when Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman introduced his groundbreaking framework on cognitive processing. True mental power extendsfar beyond simple logical calculations or high score achievements on standard academic exams. The revolutionary Daniel Kahneman intelligence theory on memory access and attention control explains how our minds genuinely operate under severe real-world stress.
Quote of the Day by Taylor Swift: Taylor Swifts quote, People haven't always been there for me but music always has, explores the deep emotional connection between a person and their art. The quote suggests that while human relationships can change, fade, or fail during difficult times, music remains a constant source of comfort, healing, and emotional support.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed his remarkable health turnaround, shedding over 20 kgs and reversing diabetes since May 2020. Through consistent lifestyle changes focusing on sleep, hydration, diet, and exercise, he claims to be free from allopathic medicine and insulin. Shah urges youth to prioritize two hours of exercise and six hours of sleep for holistic well-being.
The achievement underscores the increasing public recognition of organ donation as a profound act of humanity that offers hope and a second chance at life to patients awaiting transplantation, the Union health ministry said on Monday.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has invited Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for a discussion on the controversial Bidadi township project. Shivakumar stated that Kumaraswamy himself initiated the project during his previous tenure as CM. This invitation comes as the JD(S) plans to challenge the land acquisition in court, citing concerns over real estate interests and the impact on farmers who have been protesting for over 470 days.
West Bengal's new budget prioritizes a five-pronged revival strategy, focusing on women's empowerment, youth employment, and agriculture. Key initiatives include 1 lakh government jobs, boosting tourism with religious and heritage circuits, and significant development for North Bengal, including the Teesta Barrage project. The government aims to improve the investment climate by tackling corruption and introducing new legislation to foster growth.
Life Lesson quote by Maya Angelou offers timeless wisdom about living fully and purposefully. It teaches that life should be about more than simply enduring challenges. True fulfillment comes from pursuing our passions, showing compassion toward others, maintaining a sense of humor, and embracing our individuality. By incorporating these qualities into our lives, we can move beyond survival and create lives that are rich, meaningful, and inspiring.
Kunal Shah, the visionary behind CRED, is set to lead WhatsApp globally following Meta's substantial investment. Renowned for scaling CRED and previously selling FreeCharge for 2,800 crore, Shah's journey from humble beginnings to a fintech titan is remarkable. He will transition from CRED's CEO to Meta's global leadership, marking a significant chapter in his influential career.
Psychology teaches us that everyday habits often reflect deeper emotional needs. The soap itself is rarely the real story. The sense of reassurance it provides is. While handwashing is certainly about hygiene for many people, for others it can also be a small ritual that creates comfort, predictability, and a feeling of control.
Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has presented a dividend exceeding Rs 143 crore to the state government for FY25, as announced by Industries Minister MB Patil. The corporation also contributed Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. This significant payout stems from KSIIDC's robust net profit of over Rs 188 crore after tax in FY25, reflecting strong performance from its investments.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrives in Islamabad on Tuesday for a state visit, aiming to bolster diplomatic ties and discuss regional developments with Pakistan's top leadership. This visit, following Iran's recent talks with the US, will explore deepening cooperation in trade, energy, and security. President Pezeshkian will meet with President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations and future collaborations.
Spanish proverb of the day: In a world overflowing with opinions, an old Spanish proverb offers a timeless advantage: knowing when to stay silent. Flies dont enter a closed mouth reveals why restraint, thoughtful speech, and careful listening often lead to greater wisdom, stronger relationships, and fewer regrets.
Best proverb of the day highlights a Chinese saying that explains how people often avoid the path of honesty while choosing actions that create suffering. The proverb talks about human nature, free will, greed, ignorance, corruption, righteousness and enlightenment. Its message remains useful because it reminds people that daily choices shape their future. The teaching also encourages self-control, responsibility and thoughtful decision-making in every stage of life.
Social media giant X faced significant disruptions Monday evening, with a dramatic surge in user complaints on Downdetector. Thousands reported issues accessing the app, logging in, and using the feed, indicating a sudden and widespread problem. This abrupt spike in reports, escalating rapidly within minutes, left many users unable to connect or post on the platform.

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